Video coding with large macroblocks

ABSTRACT

Techniques are described for encoding and decoding digital video data using macroblocks that are larger than the macroblocks prescribed by conventional video encoding and decoding standards. For example, the techniques include encoding and decoding a video stream using macroblocks comprising greater than 16×16 pixels. In one example, an apparatus includes a video encoder configured to encode a coded unit comprising a plurality of video blocks, wherein at least one of the plurality of video blocks comprises a size of more than 16×16 pixels and to generate syntax information for the coded unit that includes a maximum size value, wherein the maximum size value indicates a size of a largest one of the plurality of video blocks in the coded unit. The syntax information may also include a minimum size value. In this manner, the encoder may indicate to a decoder the proper syntax decoder to apply to the coded unit.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Nos.61/102,787 filed on Oct. 3, 2008, 61/144,357 filed on Jan. 13, 2009, and61/166,631 filed on Apr. 3, 2009, each of which is incorporated hereinby reference in its entirety.

This application is related to U.S. patent applications, all filed onthe same date as the present application, all possessing the same title,“VIDEO CODING WITH LARGE MACROBLOCKS,” (temporarily referenced byAttorney Docket Numbers 090033U1, 090033U2, 030033U3, which are allassigned to the assigner hereof and hereby expressly incorporated byreference in their entirety for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to digital video coding and, more particularly,block-based video coding.

BACKGROUND

Digital video capabilities can be incorporated into a wide range ofdevices, including digital televisions, digital direct broadcastsystems, wireless broadcast systems, personal digital assistants (PDAs),laptop or desktop computers, digital cameras, digital recording devices,video gaming devices, video game consoles, cellular or satellite radiotelephones, and the like. Digital video devices implement videocompression techniques, such as those described in the standards definedby MPEG-2, MPEG-4, ITU-T H.263 or ITU-T H.264/MPEG-4, Part 10, AdvancedVideo Coding (AVC), and extensions of such standards, to transmit andreceive digital video information more efficiently.

Video compression techniques perform spatial prediction and/or temporalprediction to reduce or remove redundancy inherent in video sequences.For block-based video coding, a video frame or slice may be partitionedinto macroblocks. Each macroblock can be further partitioned.Macroblocks in an intra-coded (I) frame or slice are encoded usingspatial prediction with respect to neighboring macroblocks. Macroblocksin an inter-coded (P or B) frame or slice may use spatial predictionwith respect to neighboring macroblocks in the same frame or slice ortemporal prediction with respect to other reference frames.

SUMMARY

In general, this disclosure describes techniques for encoding digitalvideo data using large macroblocks. Large macroblocks are larger thanmacroblocks generally prescribed by existing video encoding standards.Most video encoding standards prescribe the use of a macroblock in theform of a 16×16 array of pixels. In accordance with this disclosure, anencoder and decoder may utilize large macroblocks that are greater than16×16 pixels in size. As examples, a large macroblock may have a 32×32,64×64, or larger array of pixels.

Video coding relies on spatial and/or temporal redundancy to supportcompression of video data. Video frames generated with higher spatialresolution and/or higher frame rate may support more redundancy. The useof large macroblocks, as described in this disclosure, may permit avideo coding technique to utilize larger degrees of redundancy producedas spatial resolution and/or frame rate increase. In accordance withthis disclosure, video coding techniques may utilize a variety offeatures to support coding of large macroblocks.

As described in this disclosure, a large macroblock coding technique maypartition a large macroblock into partitions, and use differentpartition sizes and different coding modes, e.g., different spatial (I)or temporal (P or B) modes, for selected partitions. As another example,a coding technique may utilize hierarchical coded block pattern (CBP)values to efficiently identify coded macroblocks and partitions havingnon-zero coefficients within a large macroblock. As a further example, acoding technique may compare rate-distortion metrics produced by codingusing large and small macroblocks to select a macroblock size producingmore favorable results.

In one example, the disclosure provides a method comprising encoding,with a video encoder, a video block having a size of more than 16×16pixels, generating block-type syntax information that indicates the sizeof the block, and generating a coded block pattern value for the encodedblock, wherein the coded block pattern value indicates whether theencoded block includes at least one non-zero coefficient.

In another example, the disclosure provides an apparatus comprising avideo encoder configured to encode a video block having a size of morethan 16×16 pixels, generate block-type syntax information that indicatesthe size of the block, and generate a coded block pattern value for theencoded block, wherein the coded block pattern value indicates whetherthe encoded block includes at least one non-zero coefficient.

In another example, the disclosure provides a computer-readable mediumencoded with instructions to cause a video encoding apparatus to encode,with a video encoder, a video block having a size of more than 16×16pixels, generate block-type syntax information that indicates the sizeof the block, and generate a coded block pattern value for the encodedblock, wherein the coded block pattern value indicates whether theencoded block includes at least one non-zero coefficient.

In an additional example, the disclosure provides a method comprisingreceiving, with a video decoder, an encoded video block having a size ofmore than 16×16 pixels, receiving block-type syntax information thatindicates the size of the encoded block, receiving a coded block patternvalue for the encoded block, wherein the coded block pattern valueindicates whether the encoded block includes at least one non-zerocoefficient, and

decoding the encoded block based on the block-type syntax informationand the coded block pattern value for the encoded block.

In a further example, the disclosure provides an apparatus comprising avideo decoder configured to receive an encoded video block having a sizeof more than 16×16 pixels, receive block-type syntax information thatindicates the size of the encoded block, receive a coded block patternvalue for the encoded block, wherein the coded block pattern valueindicates whether the encoded block includes at least one non-zerocoefficient, and decode the encoded block based on the block-type syntaxinformation and the coded block pattern value for the encoded block.

In another example, the disclosure provides a computer-readable mediumcomprising instructions to cause a video decoder to receive an encodedvideo block having a size of more than 16×16 pixels, receive block-typesyntax information that indicates the size of the encoded block, receivea coded block pattern value for the encoded block, wherein the codedblock pattern value indicates whether the encoded block includes atleast one non-zero coefficient, and decode the encoded block based onthe block-type syntax information and the coded block pattern value forthe encoded block.

In another example, the disclosure provides a method comprisingreceiving, with a video encoder, a video block having a size of morethan 16×16 pixels, partitioning the block into partitions, encoding oneof the partitions using a first encoding mode, encoding another of thepartitions using a second encoding mode different from the firstencoding mode, and generating block-type syntax information thatindicates the size of the block and identifies the partitions and theencoding modes used to encode the partitions.

In an additional example, the disclosure provides an apparatuscomprising a video encoder configured to receive a video block having asize of more than 16×16 pixels, partition the block into partitions,encode one of the partitions using a first encoding mode, encode anotherof the partitions using a second encoding mode different from the firstencoding mode, generate block-type syntax information that indicates thesize of the block and identifies the partitions and the encoding modesused to encode the partitions.

In another example, the disclosure provides a computer-readable mediumencoded with instructions to cause a video encoder to receive a videoblock having a size of more than 16×16 pixels, partition the block intopartitions, encode one of the partitions using a first encoding mode,encode another of the partitions using a second encoding mode differentfrom the first encoding mode, and generate block-type syntax informationthat indicates the size of the block and identifies the partitions andthe encoding modes used to encode the partitions.

In a further example, the disclosure provides a method comprisingreceiving, with a video decoder, a video block having a size of morethan 16×16 pixels, wherein the block is partitioned into partitions, oneof the partitions is encoded with a first encoding mode and another ofthe partitions is encoded with a second encoding mode different from thefirst encoding mode, receiving block-type syntax information thatindicates the size of the block and identifies the partitions and theencoding modes used to encode the partitions, and decoding the videoblock based on the block-type syntax information.

In another example, the disclosure provides an apparatus comprising avideo decoder configured to receive a video block having a size of morethan 16×16 pixels, wherein the block is partitioned into partitions, oneof the partitions is encoded with a first encoding mode and another ofthe partitions is encoded with a second encoding mode different from thefirst encoding mode, receive block-type syntax information thatindicates the size of the block and identifies the partitions and theencoding modes used to encode the partitions, and decode the video blockbased on the block-type syntax information.

In an additional example, the disclosure provides a computer-readablemedium encoded with instructions to cause a video decoder to receive,with a video decoder, a video block having a size of more than 16×16pixels, wherein the block is partitioned into partitions, one of thepartitions is encoded with a first encoding mode and another of thepartitions is encoded with a second encoding mode different from thefirst encoding mode, receive block-type syntax information thatindicates the size of the block and identifies the partitions and theencoding modes used to encode the partitions, and decode the video blockbased on the block-type syntax information.

In another example, the disclosure provides a method comprisingreceiving, with a digital video encoder, a video coding unit,determining a first rate-distortion metric for encoding the video codingunit using first video blocks with sizes of 16×16 pixels, determining asecond rate-distortion metric for encoding the video coding unit usingsecond video blocks with sizes of more than 16×16 pixels, encoding thevideo coding unit using the first video blocks when the firstrate-distortion metric is less than second rate-distortion metric, andencoding the video coding unit using the second video blocks when thesecond rate-distortion metric is less than the first rate-distortionmetric.

In an additional example, the disclosure provides an apparatuscomprising a video encoder configured to receive a video coding unit,determine a first rate-distortion metric for encoding the video codingunit using first video blocks with sizes of 16×16 pixels, determine asecond rate-distortion metric for encoding the video coding unit usingsecond video blocks with sizes of more than 16×16 pixels, encode thevideo coding unit using the first video blocks when the firstrate-distortion metric is less than second rate-distortion metric,encode the video coding unit using the second video blocks when thesecond rate-distortion metric is less than the first rate-distortionmetric.

In another example, the disclosure provides a computer-readable mediumencoded with instructions to cause a video encoder to receive a videocoding unit, determine a first rate-distortion metric for encoding thevideo coding unit using first video blocks with sizes of 16×16 pixels,determine a second rate-distortion metric for encoding the video codingunit using second video blocks with sizes of more than 16×16 pixels,encode the video coding unit using the first video blocks when the firstrate-distortion metric is less than second rate-distortion metric, andencode the video coding unit using the second video blocks when thesecond rate-distortion metric is less than the first rate-distortionmetric.

In another example, the disclosure provides a method comprisingencoding, with a video encoder, a coded unit comprising a plurality ofvideo blocks, wherein at least one of the plurality of video blockscomprises a size of more than 16×16 pixels, and generating syntaxinformation for the coded unit that includes a maximum size value,wherein the maximum size value indicates a size of a largest one of theplurality of video blocks in the coded unit.

In another example, the disclosure provides an apparatus comprising avideo encoder configured to encode a coded unit comprising a pluralityof video blocks, wherein at least one of the plurality of video blockscomprises a size of more than 16×16 pixels and to generate syntaxinformation for the coded unit that includes a maximum size value,wherein the maximum size value indicates a size of a largest one of theplurality of video blocks in the coded unit.

In another example, the disclosure provides an apparatus comprisingapparatus comprising means for encoding a coded unit comprising aplurality of video blocks, wherein at least one of the plurality ofvideo blocks comprises a size of more than 16×16 pixels, and means forgenerating syntax information for the coded unit that includes a maximumsize value, wherein the maximum size value indicates a size of a largestone of the plurality of video blocks in the coded unit.

In another example, the disclosure provides a computer-readable storagemedium encoded with instructions for causing a programmable processor toencode a coded unit comprising a plurality of video blocks, wherein atleast one of the plurality of video blocks comprises a size of more than16×16 pixels, and generate syntax information for the coded unit thatincludes a maximum size value, wherein the maximum size value indicatesa size of a largest one of the plurality of video blocks in the codedunit.

In another example, the disclosure provides a method comprisingreceiving, with a video decoder, a coded unit comprising a plurality ofvideo blocks, wherein at least one of the plurality of video blockscomprises a size of more than 16×16 pixels, receiving syntax informationfor the coded unit that includes a maximum size value, wherein themaximum size value indicates a size of a largest one of the plurality ofvideo blocks in the coded unit, selecting a block-type syntax decoderaccording to the maximum size value, and decoding each of the pluralityof video blocks in the coded unit using the selected block-type syntaxdecoder.

In another example, the disclosure provides an apparatus comprising avideo decoder configured to receive a coded unit comprising a pluralityof video blocks, wherein at least one of the plurality of video blockscomprises a size of more than 16×16 pixels, receive syntax informationfor the coded unit that includes a maximum size value, wherein themaximum size value indicates a size of a largest one of the plurality ofvideo blocks in the coded unit, select a block-type syntax decoderaccording to the maximum size value, and decode each of the plurality ofvideo blocks in the coded unit using the selected block-type syntaxdecoder.

In another example, the disclosure provides means for receiving a codedunit comprising a plurality of video blocks, wherein at least one of theplurality of video blocks comprises a size of more than 16×16 pixels,means for receiving syntax information for the coded unit that includesa maximum size value, wherein the maximum size value indicates a size ofa largest one of the plurality of video blocks in the coded unit, meansfor selecting a block-type syntax decoder according to the maximum sizevalue, and means for decoding each of the plurality of video blocks inthe coded unit using the selected block-type syntax decoder.

In another example, the disclosure provides a computer-readable storagemedium encoded with instructions for causing a programmable processor toreceive a coded unit comprising a plurality of video blocks, wherein atleast one of the plurality of video blocks comprises a size of more than16×16 pixels, receive syntax information for the coded unit thatincludes a maximum size value, wherein the maximum size value indicatesa size of a largest one of the plurality of video blocks in the codedunit, select a block-type syntax decoder according to the maximum sizevalue, and decode each of the plurality of video blocks in the codedunit using the selected block-type syntax decoder.

The details of one or more examples are set forth in the accompanyingdrawings and the description below. Other features, objects, andadvantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and fromthe claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example video encoding anddecoding system that encodes and decodes digital video data using largemacroblocks.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a video encoderthat implements techniques for coding large macroblocks.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a video decoderthat implements techniques for coding large macroblocks.

FIG. 4A is a conceptual diagram illustrating partitioning among variouslevels of a large macroblock.

FIG. 4B is a conceptual diagram illustrating assignment of differentcoding modes to different partitions a large macroblock.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a hierarchical view ofvarious levels of a large macroblock.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example method for setting a codedblock pattern (CBP) value of a 64×64 pixel large macroblock.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example method for setting a CBPvalue of a 32×32 pixel partition of a 64×64 pixel large macroblock.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example method for setting a CBPvalue of a 16×16 pixel partition of a 32×32 pixel partition of a 64×64pixel large macroblock.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example method for determining atwo-bit luma 16×8_CBP value.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example arrangement of a64×64 pixel large macroblock.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example method for calculatingoptimal partitioning and encoding methods for an N×N pixel large videoblock.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an example 64×64 pixelmacroblock with various partitions and selected encoding methods foreach partition.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example method for determining anoptimal size of a macroblock for encoding a frame of a video sequence.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating an example wirelesscommunication device including a video encoder/decoder (CODEC) thatcodes digital video data using large macroblocks.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating an example array representationof a hierarchical CBP representation for a large macroblock.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating an example tree structurecorresponding to the hierarchical CBP representation of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example method for using syntaxinformation of a coded unit to indicate and select block-based syntaxencoders and decoders for video blocks of the coded unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosure describes techniques for encoding and decoding digitalvideo data using large macroblocks. Large macroblocks are larger thanmacroblocks generally prescribed by existing video encoding standards.Most video encoding standards prescribe the use of a macroblock in theform of a 16×16 array of pixels. In accordance with this disclosure, anencoder and/or a decoder may utilize large macroblocks that are greaterthan 16×16 pixels in size. As examples, a large macroblock may have a32×32, 64×64, or possibly larger array of pixels.

In general, a macroblock, as that term is used in this disclosure, mayrefer to a data structure for a pixel array that comprises a definedsize expressed as N×N pixels, where N is a positive integer value. Themacroblock may define four luminance blocks, each comprising an array of(N/2)×(N/2) pixels, two chrominance blocks, each comprising an array ofN×N pixels, and a header comprising macroblock-type information andcoded block pattern (CBP) information, as discussed in greater detailbelow.

Conventional video coding standards ordinarily prescribe that thedefined macroblock size is a 16×16 array of pixels. In accordance withvarious techniques described in this disclosure, macroblocks maycomprise N×N arrays of pixels where N may be greater than 16. Likewise,conventional video coding standards prescribe that an inter-encodedmacroblock is typically assigned a single motion vector. In accordancewith various techniques described in this disclosure, a plurality ofmotion vectors may be assigned for inter-encoded partitions of an N×Nmacroblock, as described in greater detail below. References to “largemacroblocks” or similar phrases generally refer to macroblocks witharrays of pixels greater than 16×16.

In some cases, large macroblocks may support improvements in codingefficiency and/or reductions in data transmission overhead whilemaintaining or possibly improving image quality. For example, the use oflarge macroblocks may permit a video encoder and/or decoder to takeadvantage of increased redundancy provided by video data generated withincreased spatial resolution (e.g., 1280×720 or 1920×1080 pixels perframe) and/or increased frame rate (e.g., 30 or 60 frames per second).

As an illustration, a digital video sequence with a spatial resolutionof 1280×720 pixels per frame and a frame rate of 60 frames per second isspatially 36 times larger than and temporally 4 times faster than adigital video sequence with a spatial resolution of 176×144 pixels perframe and a frame rate of 15 frames per second. With increasedmacroblock size, a video encoder and/or decoder can better exploitincreased spatial and/or temporal redundancy to support compression ofvideo data.

Also, by using larger macroblocks, a smaller number of blocks may beencoded for a given frame or slice, reducing the amount of overheadinformation that needs to be transmitted. In other words, largermacroblocks may permit a reduction in the overall number of macroblockscoded per frame or slice. If the spatial resolution of a frame isincreased by four times, for example, then four times as many 16×16macroblocks would be required for the pixels in the frame. In thisexample, with 64×64 macroblocks, the number of macroblocks needed tohandle the increased spatial resolution is reduced. With a reducednumber of macroblocks per frame or slice, for example, the cumulativeamount of coding information such as syntax information, motion vectordata, and the like can be reduced.

In this disclosure, the size of a macroblock generally refers to thenumber of pixels contained in the macroblock, e.g., 64×64, 32×32, 16×16,or the like. Hence, a large macroblock (e.g., 64×64 or 32×32) may belarge in the sense that it contains a larger number of pixels than a16×16 macroblock. However, the spatial area defined by the vertical andhorizontal dimensions of a large macroblock, i.e., as a fraction of thearea defined by the vertical and horizontal dimensions of a video frame,may or may not be larger than the area of a conventional 16×16macroblock. In some examples, the area of the large macroblock may bethe same or similar to a conventional 16×16 macroblock. However, thelarge macroblock has a higher spatial resolution characterized by ahigher number and higher spatial density of pixels within themacroblock.

The size of the macroblock may be configured based at least in part onthe number of pixels in the frame, i.e., the spatial resolution in theframe. If the frame has a higher number of pixels, a large macroblockcan be configured to have a higher number of pixels. As an illustration,a video encoder may be configured to utilize a 32×32 pixel macroblockfor a 1280×720 pixel frame displayed at 30 frames per second. As anotherillustration, a video encoder may be configured to utilize a 64×64 pixelmacroblock for a 1280×720 pixel frame displayed at 60 frames per second.

Each macroblock encoded by an encoder may require data that describesone or more characteristics of the macroblock. The data may indicate,for example, macroblock type data to represent the size of themacroblock, the way in which the macroblock is partitioned, and thecoding mode (spatial or temporal) applied to the macroblock and/or itspartitions. In addition, the data may include motion vector difference(mvd) data along with other syntax elements that represents motionvector information for the macroblock and/or its partitions. Also, thedata may include a coded block pattern (CBP) value along with othersyntax elements to represent residual information after prediction. Themacroblock type data may be provided in a single macroblock header forthe large macroblock.

As mentioned above, by utilizing a large macroblock, the encoder mayreduce the number of macroblocks per frame or slice, and thereby reducethe amount of net overhead that needs to be transmitted for each frameor slice. Also, by utilizing a large macroblock, the total number ofmacroblocks may decrease for a particular frame or slice, which mayreduce blocky artifacts in video displayed to a user.

Video coding techniques described in this disclosure may utilize one ormore features to support coding of large macroblocks. For example, alarge macroblock may be partitioned into smaller partitions. Differentcoding modes, e.g., different spatial (I) or temporal (P or B) codingmodes, may be applied to selected partitions within a large macroblock.Also, a hierarchical coded block pattern (CBP) values can be utilized toefficiently identify coded macroblocks and partitions having non-zerotransform coefficients representing residual data. In addition,rate-distortion metrics may be compared for coding using large and smallmacroblock sizes to select a macroblock size producing favorableresults. Furthermore, a coded unit (e.g., a frame, slice, sequence, orgroup of pictures) comprising macroblocks of varying sizes may include asyntax element that indicates the size of the largest macroblock in thecoded unit. As described in greater detail below, large macroblockscomprise a different block-level syntax than standard 16×16 pixelblocks. Accordingly, by indicating the size of the largest macroblock inthe coded unit, an encoder may signal to a decoder a block-level syntaxdecoder to apply to the macroblocks of the coded unit.

Use of different coding modes for different partitions in a largemacroblock may be referred to as mixed mode coding of large macroblocks.Instead of coding a large macroblock uniformly such that all partitionshave the same intra- or inter-coding mode, a large macroblock may becoded such that some partitions have different coding modes, such asdifferent intra-coding modes (e.g., I_(—)16×16, I_(—)8×8, I_(—)4×4) orintra- and inter-coding modes.

If a large macroblock is divided into two or more partitions, forexample, at least one partition may be coded with a first mode andanother partition may be coded with a second mode that is different thanthe first mode. In some cases, the first mode may be a first I mode andthe second mode may be a second I mode, different from the first I mode.In other cases, the first mode may be an I mode and the second mode maybe a P or B mode. Hence, in some examples, a large macroblock mayinclude one or more temporally (P or B) coded partitions and one or morespatially (I) coded partitions, or one or more spatially codedpartitions with different I modes.

One or more hierarchical coded block pattern (CBP) values may be used toefficiently describe whether any partitions in a large macroblock haveat least one non-zero transform coefficient and, if so, whichpartitions. The transform coefficients encode residual data for thelarge macroblock. A large macroblock level CBP bit indicates whether anypartitions in the large macroblock includes a non-zero, quantizedcoefficient. If not, there is no need to consider whether any of thepartitions has a non-zero coefficient, as the entire large macroblock isknown to have no non-zero coefficients. In this case, a predictivemacroblock can be used to decode the macroblock without residual data.

Alternatively, if the macroblock-level CBP value indicates that at leastone partition in the large macroblock has a non-zero coefficient, thenpartition-level CBP values can be analyzed to identify which of thepartitions includes at least one non-zero coefficient. The decoder thenmay retrieve appropriate residual data for the partitions having atleast one non-zero coefficient, and decode the partitions using theresidual data and predictive block data. In some cases, one or morepartitions may have non-zero coefficients, and therefore includepartition-level CBP values with the appropriate indication. Both thelarge macroblock and at least some of the partitions may be larger than16×16 pixels.

To select macroblock sizes yielding favorable rate-distortion metrics,rate-distortion metrics may be analyzed for both large macroblocks(e.g., 32×32 or 64×64) and small macroblocks (e.g., 16×16). For example,an encoder may compare rate-distortion metrics between 16×16macroblocks, 32×32 macroblocks, and 64×64 macroblocks for a coded unit,such as a frame or a slice. The encoder may then select the macroblocksize that results in the best rate-distortion and encode the coded unitusing the selected macroblock size, i.e., the macroblock size with thebest rate-distortion.

The selection may be based on encoding the frame or slice in three ormore passes, e.g., a first pass using 16×16 pixel macroblocks, a secondpass using 32×32 pixel macroblocks, and a third pass using 64×64 pixelmacroblocks, and comparing rate-distortion metrics for each pass. Inthis manner, an encoder may optimize rate-distortion by varying themacroblock size and selecting the macroblock size that results in thebest or optimal rate-distortion for a given coding unit, such as a sliceor frame. The encoder may further transmit syntax information for thecoded unit, e.g., as part of a frame header or a slice header, thatidentifies the size of the macroblocks used in the coded unit. Asdiscussed in greater detail below, the syntax information for the codedunit may comprise a maximum size indicator that indicates a maximum sizeof macroblocks used in the coded unit. In this manner, the encoder mayinform a decoder as to what syntax to expect for macroblocks of thecoded unit. When the maximum size of macroblocks comprises 16×16 pixels,the decoder may expect standard H.264 syntax and parse the macroblocksaccording to H.264-specified syntax. However, when the maximum size ofmacroblocks is greater than 16×16, e.g., comprises 64×64 pixels, thedecoder may expect modified and/or additional syntax elements thatrelate to processing of larger macroblocks, as described by thisdisclosure, and parse the macroblocks according to such modified oradditional syntax.

For some video frames or slices, large macroblocks may presentsubstantial bit rate savings and thereby produce the bestrate-distortion results, given relatively low distortion. For othervideo frames or slices, however, smaller macroblocks may present lessdistortion, outweighing bit rate in the rate-distortion cost analysis.Hence, in different cases, 64×64, 32×32 or 16×16 may be appropriate fordifferent video frames or slices, e.g., depending on video content andcomplexity.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example video encoding anddecoding system 10 that may utilize techniques for encoding/decodingdigital video data using a large macroblock, i.e., a macroblock thatcontains more pixels than a 16×16 macroblock. As shown in FIG. 1, system10 includes a source device 12 that transmits encoded video to adestination device 14 via a communication channel 16. Source device 12and destination device 14 may comprise any of a wide range of devices.In some cases, source device 12 and destination device 14 may comprisewireless communication devices, such as wireless handsets, so-calledcellular or satellite radiotelephones, or any wireless devices that cancommunicate video information over a communication channel 16, in whichcase communication channel 16 is wireless. The techniques of thisdisclosure, however, which concern use of a large macroblock comprisingmore pixels than macroblocks prescribed by conventional video encodingstandards, are not necessarily limited to wireless applications orsettings. For example, these techniques may apply to over-the-airtelevision broadcasts, cable television transmissions, satellitetelevision transmissions, Internet video transmissions, encoded digitalvideo that is encoded onto a storage medium, or other scenarios.Accordingly, communication channel 16 may comprise any combination ofwireless or wired media suitable for transmission of encoded video data.

In the example of FIG. 1, source device 12 may include a video source18, video encoder 20, a modulator/demodulator (modem) 22 and atransmitter 24. Destination device 14 may include a receiver 26, a modem28, a video decoder 30, and a display device 32. In accordance with thisdisclosure, video encoder 20 of source device 12 may be configured toapply one or more of the techniques for using, in a video encodingprocess, a large macroblock having a size that is larger than amacroblock size prescribed by conventional video encoding standards.Similarly, video decoder 30 of destination device 14 may be configuredto apply one or more of the techniques for using, in a video decodingprocess, a macroblock size that is larger than a macroblock sizeprescribed by conventional video encoding standards.

The illustrated system 10 of FIG. 1 is merely one example. Techniquesfor using a large macroblock as described in this disclosure may beperformed by any digital video encoding and/or decoding device. Sourcedevice 12 and destination device 14 are merely examples of such codingdevices in which source device 12 generates coded video data fortransmission to destination device 14. In some examples, devices 12, 14may operate in a substantially symmetrical manner such that each ofdevices 12, 14 include video encoding and decoding components. Hence,system 10 may support one-way or two-way video transmission betweenvideo devices 12, 14, e.g., for video streaming, video playback, videobroadcasting, or video telephony.

Video source 18 of source device 12 may include a video capture device,such as a video camera, a video archive containing previously capturedvideo, an/or a video feed from a video content provider. As a furtheralternative, video source 18 may generate computer graphics-based dataas the source video, or a combination of live video, archived video, andcomputer-generated video. In some cases, if video source 18 is a videocamera, source device 12 and destination device 14 may form so-calledcamera phones or video phones. As mentioned above, however, thetechniques described in this disclosure may be applicable to videocoding in general, and may be applied to wireless or wired applications.In each case, the captured, pre-captured, or computer-generated videomay be encoded by video encoder 20. The encoded video information maythen be modulated by modem 22 according to a communication standard, andtransmitted to destination device 14 via transmitter 24. Modem 22 mayinclude various mixers, filters, amplifiers or other components designedfor signal modulation. Transmitter 24 may include circuits designed fortransmitting data, including amplifiers, filters, and one or moreantennas.

Receiver 26 of destination device 14 receives information over channel16, and modem 28 demodulates the information. Again, the video encodingprocess may implement one or more of the techniques described herein touse a large macroblock, e.g., larger than 16×16, for inter (i.e.,temporal) and/or intra (i.e., spatial) encoding of video data. The videodecoding process performed by video decoder 30 may also use suchtechniques during the decoding process. The information communicatedover channel 16 may include syntax information defined by video encoder20, which is also used by video decoder 30, that includes syntaxelements that describe characteristics and/or processing of the largemacroblocks, as discussed in greater detail below. The syntaxinformation may be included in any or all of a frame header, a sliceheader, a sequence header (for example, with respect to H.264, by usingprofile and level to which the coded video sequence conforms), or amacroblock header. Display device 32 displays the decoded video data toa user, and may comprise any of a variety of display devices such as acathode ray tube (CRT), a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasmadisplay, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, or another typeof display device.

In the example of FIG. 1, communication channel 16 may comprise anywireless or wired communication medium, such as a radio frequency (RF)spectrum or one or more physical transmission lines, or any combinationof wireless and wired media. Communication channel 16 may form part of apacket-based network, such as a local area network, a wide-area network,or a global network such as the Internet. Communication channel 16generally represents any suitable communication medium, or collection ofdifferent communication media, for transmitting video data from sourcedevice 12 to destination device 14, including any suitable combinationof wired or wireless media. Communication channel 16 may includerouters, switches, base stations, or any other equipment that may beuseful to facilitate communication from source device 12 to destinationdevice 14.

Video encoder 20 and video decoder 30 may operate according to a videocompression standard, such as the ITU-T H.264 standard, alternativelydescribed as MPEG-4, Part 10, Advanced Video Coding (AVC). Thetechniques of this disclosure, however, are not limited to anyparticular coding standard. Other examples include MPEG-2 and ITU-TH.263. Although not shown in FIG. 1, in some aspects, video encoder 20and video decoder 30 may each be integrated with an audio encoder anddecoder, and may include appropriate MUX-DEMUX units, or other hardwareand software, to handle encoding of both audio and video in a commondata stream or separate data streams. If applicable, MUX-DEMUX units mayconform to the ITU H.223 multiplexer protocol, or other protocols suchas the user datagram protocol (UDP).

The ITU-T H.264/MPEG-4 (AVC) standard was formulated by the ITU-T VideoCoding Experts Group (VCEG) together with the ISO/IEC Moving PictureExperts Group (MPEG) as the product of a collective partnership known asthe Joint Video Team (JVT). In some aspects, the techniques described inthis disclosure may be applied to devices that generally conform to theH.264 standard. The H.264 standard is described in ITU-T RecommendationH.264, Advanced Video Coding for generic audiovisual services, by theITU-T Study Group, and dated March, 2005, which may be referred toherein as the H.264 standard or H.264 specification, or the H.264/AVCstandard or specification. The Joint Video Team (JVT) continues to workon extensions to H.264/MPEG-4 AVC.

Video encoder 20 and video decoder 30 each may be implemented as any ofa variety of suitable encoder circuitry, such as one or moremicroprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specificintegrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs),discrete logic, software, hardware, firmware or any combinationsthereof. Each of video encoder 20 and video decoder 30 may be includedin one or more encoders or decoders, either of which may be integratedas part of a combined encoder/decoder (CODEC) in a respective camera,computer, mobile device, subscriber device, broadcast device, set-topbox, server, or the like.

A video sequence typically includes a series of video frames. Videoencoder 20 operates on video blocks within individual video frames inorder to encode the video data. A video block may correspond to amacroblock or a partition of a macroblock. A video block may furthercorrespond to a partition of a partition. The video blocks may havefixed or varying sizes, and may differ in size according to a specifiedcoding standard or in accordance with the techniques of this disclosure.Each video frame may include a plurality of slices. Each slice mayinclude a plurality of macroblocks, which may be arranged intopartitions, also referred to as sub-blocks.

As an example, the ITU-T H.264 standard supports intra prediction invarious block sizes, such as 16 by 16, 8 by 8, or 4 by 4 for lumacomponents, and 8×8 for chroma components, as well as inter predictionin various block sizes, such as 16×16, 16×8, 8×16, 8×8, 8×4, 4×8 and 4×4for luma components and corresponding scaled sizes for chromacomponents. In this disclosure, “x” and “by” may be used interchangeablyto refer to the pixel dimensions of the block in terms of vertical andhorizontal dimensions, e.g., 16×16 pixels or 16 by 16 pixels. Ingeneral, a 16×16 block will have 16 pixels in a vertical direction and16 pixels in a horizontal direction. Likewise, an N×N block generallyhas N pixels in a vertical direction and N pixels in a horizontaldirection, where N represents a positive integer value that may begreater than 16. The pixels in a block may be arranged in rows andcolumns.

Block sizes that are less than 16 by 16 may be referred to as partitionsof a 16 by 16 macroblock. Likewise, for an N×N block, block sizes lessthan N×N may be referred to as partitions of the N×N block. Thetechniques of this disclosure describe intra- and inter-coding formacroblocks larger than the conventional 16×16 pixel macroblock, such as32×32 pixel macroblocks, 64×64 pixel macroblocks, or larger macroblocks.Video blocks may comprise blocks of pixel data in the pixel domain, orblocks of transform coefficients in the transform domain, e.g.,following application of a transform such as a discrete cosine transform(DCT), an integer transform, a wavelet transform, or a conceptuallysimilar transform to the residual video block data representing pixeldifferences between coded video blocks and predictive video blocks. Insome cases, a video block may comprise blocks of quantized transformcoefficients in the transform domain.

Smaller video blocks can provide better resolution, and may be used forlocations of a video frame that include high levels of detail. Ingeneral, macroblocks and the various partitions, sometimes referred toas sub-blocks, may be considered to be video blocks. In addition, aslice may be considered to be a plurality of video blocks, such asmacroblocks and/or sub-blocks. Each slice may be an independentlydecodable unit of a video frame. Alternatively, frames themselves may bedecodable units, or other portions of a frame may be defined asdecodable units. The term “coded unit” or “coding unit” may refer to anyindependently decodable unit of a video frame such as an entire frame, aslice of a frame, a group of pictures (GOP) also referred to as asequence, or another independently decodable unit defined according toapplicable coding techniques.

Following intra-predictive or inter-predictive coding to producepredictive data and residual data, and following any transforms (such asthe 4×4 or 8×8 integer transform used in H.264/AVC or a discrete cosinetransform DCT) to produce transform coefficients, quantization oftransform coefficients may be performed. Quantization generally refersto a process in which transform coefficients are quantized to possiblyreduce the amount of data used to represent the coefficients. Thequantization process may reduce the bit depth associated with some orall of the coefficients. For example, an n-bit value may be rounded downto an m-bit value during quantization, where n is greater than m.

Following quantization, entropy coding of the quantized data may beperformed, e.g., according to content adaptive variable length coding(CAVLC), context adaptive binary arithmetic coding (CABAC), or anotherentropy coding methodology. A processing unit configured for entropycoding, or another processing unit, may perform other processingfunctions, such as zero run length coding of quantized coefficientsand/or generation of syntax information such as CBP values, macroblocktype, coding mode, maximum macroblock size for a coded unit (such as aframe, slice, macroblock, or sequence), or the like.

According to various techniques of this disclosure, video encoder 20 mayuse a macroblock that is larger than that prescribed by conventionalvideo encoding standards to encode digital video data. In one example,video encoder 20 may encode, with a video encoder, a video block havinga size of more than 16×16 pixels, generate block-type syntax informationthat indicates the size of the block, and generate a CBP value for theencoded block, wherein the coded block pattern value indicates whetherthe encoded block includes at least one non-zero coefficient. Themacroblock block-type syntax information may be provided in a macroblockheader for the large macroblock. The macroblock block-type syntaxinformation may indicate an address or position of the macroblock in aframe or slice, or a macroblock number that identifies the position ofthe macroblock, a type of coding mode applied to the macroblock, aquantization value for the macroblock, any motion vector information forthe macroblock and a CBP value for the macroblock.

In another example, video encoder 20 may receive a video block having asize of more than 16×16 pixels, partitioning the block into partitions,encode one of the partitions using a first encoding mode, encode anotherof the partitions using a second encoding mode different from the firstencoding mode, and generate block-type syntax information that indicatesthe size of the block and identifies the partitions and the encodingmodes used to encode the partitions.

In an additional example, video encoder 20 may receive a video codingunit, such as a frame or slice, determine a first rate-distortion metricfor encoding the video coding unit using first video blocks with sizesof 16×16 pixels, determine a second rate-distortion metric for encodingthe video coding unit using second video blocks with sizes of more than16×16 pixels, encode the video coding unit using the first video blockswhen the first rate-distortion metric is less than secondrate-distortion metric, and encode the video coding unit using thesecond video blocks when the second rate-distortion metric is less thanthe first rate-distortion metric.

In one example, video decoder 30 may receive an encoded video blockhaving a size of more than 16×16 pixels, receive block-type syntaxinformation that indicates the size of the encoded block, receive acoded block pattern value for the encoded block, wherein the coded blockpattern value indicates whether the encoded block includes at least onenon-zero coefficient, and decode the encoded block based on theblock-type syntax information and the coded block pattern value for theencoded block.

In another example, video decoder 30 may receive a video block having asize of more than 16×16 pixels, wherein the block is partitioned intopartitions, one of the partitions is intra-encoded and another of thepartitions is intra-encoded, receive block-type syntax information thatindicates the size of the block and identifies the partitions and theencoding modes used to encode the partitions, and decode the video blockbased on the block-type syntax information.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a video encoder 50that may implement techniques for using a large macroblock consistentwith this disclosure. Video encoder 50 may correspond to video encoder20 of source device 12, or a video encoder of a different device. Videoencoder 50 may perform intra- and inter-coding of blocks within videoframes, including large macroblocks, or partitions or sub-partitions oflarge macroblocks. Intra-coding relies on spatial prediction to reduceor remove spatial redundancy in video within a given video frame.Inter-coding relies on temporal prediction to reduce or remove temporalredundancy in video within adjacent frames of a video sequence.

Intra-mode (I-mode) may refer to any of several spatial basedcompression modes and inter-modes such as prediction (P-mode) orbi-directional (B-mode) may refer to any of several temporal-basedcompression modes. The techniques of this disclosure may be applied bothduring inter-coding and intra-coding. In some cases, techniques of thisdisclosure may also be applied to encoding non-video digital pictures.That is, a digital still picture encoder may utilize the techniques ofthis disclosure to intra-code a digital still picture using largemacroblocks in a manner similar to encoding intra-coded macroblocks invideo frames in a video sequence.

As shown in FIG. 2, video encoder 50 receives a current video blockwithin a video frame to be encoded. In the example of FIG. 2, videoencoder 50 includes motion compensation unit 35, motion estimation unit36, intra prediction unit 37, mode select unit 39, reference frame store34, summer 48, transform unit 38, quantization unit 40, and entropycoding unit 46. For video block reconstruction, video encoder 50 alsoincludes inverse quantization unit 42, inverse transform unit 44, andsummer 51. A deblocking filter (not shown in FIG. 2) may also beincluded to filter block boundaries to remove blockiness artifacts fromreconstructed video. If desired, the deblocking filter would typicallyfilter the output of summer 51.

During the encoding process, video encoder 50 receives a video frame orslice to be coded. The frame or slice may be divided into multiple videoblocks, including large macroblocks. Motion estimation unit 36 andmotion compensation unit 35 perform inter-predictive coding of thereceived video block relative to one or more blocks in one or morereference frames to provide temporal compression. Intra prediction unit37 performs intra-predictive coding of the received video block relativeto one or more neighboring blocks in the same frame or slice as theblock to be coded to provide spatial compression.

Mode select unit 39 may select one of the coding modes, intra or inter,e.g., based on error results, and provides the resulting intra- orinter-coded block to summer 48 to generate residual block data and tosummer 51 to reconstruct the encoded block for use as a reference frame.In accordance with the techniques of this disclosure, the video block tobe coded may comprise a macroblock that is larger than that prescribedby conventional coding standards, i.e., larger than a 16×16 pixelmacroblock. For example, the large video block may comprise a 64×64pixel macroblock or a 32×32 pixel macroblock.

Motion estimation unit 36 and motion compensation unit 35 may be highlyintegrated, but are illustrated separately for conceptual purposes.Motion estimation is the process of generating motion vectors, whichestimate motion for video blocks. A motion vector, for example, mayindicate the displacement of a predictive block within a predictivereference frame (or other coded unit) relative to the current blockbeing coded within the current frame (or other coded unit). A predictiveblock is a block that is found to closely match the block to be coded,in terms of pixel difference, which may be determined by sum of absolutedifference (SAD), sum of square difference (SSD), or other differencemetrics.

A motion vector may also indicate displacement of a partition of a largemacroblock. In one example with respect to a 64×64 pixel macroblock witha 32×64 partition and two 32×32 partitions, a first motion vector mayindicate displacement of the 32×64 partition, a second motion vector mayindicate displacement of a first one of the 32×32 partitions, and athird motion vector may indicate displacement of a second one of the32×32 partitions, all relative to corresponding partitions in areference frame. Such partitions may also be considered video blocks, asthose terms are used in this disclosure. Motion compensation may involvefetching or generating the predictive block based on the motion vectordetermined by motion estimation. Again, motion estimation unit 36 andmotion compensation unit 35 may be functionally integrated.

Motion estimation unit 36 calculates a motion vector for the video blockof an inter-coded frame by comparing the video block to video blocks ofa reference frame in reference frame store 34. Motion compensation unit35 may also interpolate sub-integer pixels of the reference frame, e.g.,an I-frame or a P-frame. The ITU H.264 standard refers to referenceframes as “lists.” Therefore, data stored in reference frame store 34may also be considered lists. Motion estimation unit 36 compares blocksof one or more reference frames (or lists) from reference frame store 34to a block to be encoded of a current frame, e.g., a P-frame or aB-frame. When the reference frames in reference frame store 34 includevalues for sub-integer pixels, a motion vector calculated by motionestimation unit 36 may refer to a sub-integer pixel location of areference frame. Motion estimation unit 36 sends the calculated motionvector to entropy coding unit 46 and motion compensation unit 35. Thereference frame block identified by a motion vector may be referred toas a predictive block. Motion compensation unit 35 calculates errorvalues for the predictive block of the reference frame.

Motion compensation unit 35 may calculate prediction data based on thepredictive block. Video encoder 50 forms a residual video block bysubtracting the prediction data from motion compensation unit 35 fromthe original video block being coded. Summer 48 represents the componentor components that perform this subtraction operation. Transform unit 38applies a transform, such as a discrete cosine transform (DCT) or aconceptually similar transform, to the residual block, producing a videoblock comprising residual transform coefficient values. Transform unit38 may perform other transforms, such as those defined by the H.264standard, which are conceptually similar to DCT. Wavelet transforms,integer transforms, sub-band transforms or other types of transformscould also be used. In any case, transform unit 38 applies the transformto the residual block, producing a block of residual transformcoefficients. The transform may convert the residual information from apixel value domain to a transform domain, such as a frequency domain.

Quantization unit 40 quantizes the residual transform coefficients tofurther reduce bit rate. The quantization process may reduce the bitdepth associated with some or all of the coefficients. In one example,quantization unit 40 may establish a different degree of quantizationfor each 64×64 pixel macroblock according to a luminance quantizationparameter, referred to in this disclosure as QP_(Y). Quantization unit40 may further modify the luminance quantization parameter used duringquantization of a 64×64 macroblock based on a quantization parametermodifier, referred to herein as “MB64_delta_QP,” and a previouslyencoded 64×64 pixel macroblock.

Each 64×64 pixel large macroblock may comprise an individualMB64_delta_QP value, in the range between −26 and +25, inclusive. Ingeneral, video encoder 50 may establish the MB64_delta_QP value for aparticular block based on a desired bitrate for transmitting the encodedversion of the block. The MB64_delta_QP value of a first 64×64 pixelmacroblock may be equal to the QP value of a frame or slice thatincludes the first 64×64 pixel macroblock, e.g., in the frame/sliceheader. QP_(Y) for a current 64×64 pixel macroblock may be calculatedaccording to the formula:

QP _(Y)=(QP _(Y,PREV) +MB64_delta_(—) QP+52)%52

where QP_(Y,PREV) refers to the QP_(Y) value of the previous 64×64 pixelmacroblock in the decoding order of the current slice/frame, and where“%” refers to the modulo operator such that N %52 returns a resultbetween 0 and 51, inclusive, corresponding to the remainder value of Ndivided by 52. For a first macroblock in a frame/slice, QP_(Y,PREV) maybe set equal to the frame/slice QP sent in the frame/slice header.

In one example, quantization unit 40 presumes that the MB64_delta_QPvalue is equal to zero when a MB64_delta_QP value is not defined for aparticular 64×64 pixel macroblock, including “skip” type macroblocks,such as P_Skip and B_Skip macroblock types. In some examples, additionaldelta_QP values (generally referred to as quantization parametermodification values) may be defined for finer grain quantization controlof partitions within a 64×64 pixel macroblock, such as MB32_delta_QPvalues for each 32×32 pixel partition of a 64×64 pixel macroblock. Insome examples, each partition of a 64×64 macroblock may be assigned anindividual quantization parameter. Using an individualized quantizationparameter for each partition may result in more efficient quantizationof a macroblock, e.g., to better adjust quantization for anon-homogeneous area, instead of using a single QP for a 64×64macroblock. Each quantization parameter modification value may beincluded as syntax information with the corresponding encoded block, anda decoder may decode the encoded block by dequantizing, i.e., inversequantizing, the encoded block according to the quantization parametermodification value.

Following quantization, entropy coding unit 46 entropy codes thequantized transform coefficients. For example, entropy coding unit 46may perform content adaptive variable length coding (CAVLC), contextadaptive binary arithmetic coding (CABAC), or another entropy codingtechnique. Following the entropy coding by entropy coding unit 46, theencoded video may be transmitted to another device or archived for latertransmission or retrieval. The coded bitstream may include entropy codedresidual transform coefficient blocks, motion vectors for such blocks,MB64_delta_QP values for each 64×64 pixel macroblock, and other syntaxelements including, for example, macroblock-type identifier values,coded unit headers indicating the maximum size of macroblocks in thecoded unit, QP_(Y) values, coded block pattern (CBP) values, values thatidentify a partitioning method of a macroblock or sub-block, andtransform size flag values, as discussed in greater detail below. In thecase of context adaptive binary arithmetic coding, context may be basedon neighboring macroblocks.

In some cases, entropy coding unit 46 or another unit of video encoder50 may be configured to perform other coding functions, in addition toentropy coding. For example, entropy coding unit 46 may be configured todetermine the CBP values for the large macroblocks and partitions.Entropy coding unit 46 may apply a hierarchical CBP scheme to provide aCBP value for a large macroblock that indicates whether any partitionsin the macroblock include non-zero transform coefficient values and, ifso, other CBP values to indicate whether particular partitions withinthe large macroblock have non-zero transform coefficient values. Also,in some cases, entropy coding unit 46 may perform run length coding ofthe coefficients in a large macroblock or subpartition. In particular,entropy coding unit 46 may apply a zig-zag scan or other scan pattern toscan the transform coefficients in a macroblock or partition and encoderuns of zeros for further compression. Entropy coding unit 46 also mayconstruct header information with appropriate syntax elements fortransmission in the encoded video bitstream.

Inverse quantization unit 42 and inverse transform unit 44 apply inversequantization and inverse transformation, respectively, to reconstructthe residual block in the pixel domain, e.g., for later use as areference block. Motion compensation unit 35 may calculate a referenceblock by adding the residual block to a predictive block of one of theframes of reference frame store 34. Motion compensation unit 35 may alsoapply one or more interpolation filters to the reconstructed residualblock to calculate sub-integer pixel values. Summer 51 adds thereconstructed residual block to the motion compensated prediction blockproduced by motion compensation unit 35 to produce a reconstructed videoblock for storage in reference frame store 34. The reconstructed videoblock may be used by motion estimation unit 36 and motion compensationunit 35 as a reference block to inter-code a block in a subsequent videoframe. The large macroblock may comprise a 64×64 pixel macroblock, a32×32 pixel macroblock, or other macroblock that is larger than the sizeprescribed by conventional video coding standards.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a video decoder 60,which decodes a video sequence that is encoded in the manner describedin this disclosure. The encoded video sequence may include encodedmacroblocks that are larger than the size prescribed by conventionalvideo encoding standards. For example, the encoded macroblocks may be32×32 pixel or 64×64 pixel macroblocks. In the example of FIG. 3, videodecoder 60 includes an entropy decoding unit 52, motion compensationunit 54, intra prediction unit 55, inverse quantization unit 56, inversetransformation unit 58, reference frame store 62 and summer 64. Videodecoder 60 may, in some examples, perform a decoding pass generallyreciprocal to the encoding pass described with respect to video encoder50 (FIG. 2). Motion compensation unit 54 may generate prediction databased on motion vectors received from entropy decoding unit 52.

Entropy decoding unit 52 entropy-decodes the received bitstream togenerate quantized coefficients and syntax elements (e.g., motionvectors, CBP values, QP_(Y) values, transform size flag values,MB64_delta_QP values). Entropy decoding unit 52 may parse the bitstreamto identify syntax information in coded units such as frames, slicesand/or macroblock headers. Syntax information for a coded unitcomprising a plurality of macroblocks may indicate the maximum size ofthe macroblocks, e.g., 16×16 pixels, 32×32 pixels, 64×64 pixels, orother larger sized macroblocks in the coded unit. The syntax informationfor a block is forwarded from entropy coding unit 52 to either motioncompensation unit 54 or intra-prediction unit 55, e.g., depending on thecoding mode of the block. A decoder may use the maximum size indicatorin the syntax of a coded unit to select a syntax decoder for the codedunit. Using the syntax decoder specified for the maximum size, thedecoder can then properly interpret and process the large-sizedmacroblocks include in the coded unit.

Motion compensation unit 54 may use motion vectors received in thebitstream to identify a prediction block in reference frames inreference frame store 62. Intra prediction unit 55 may use intraprediction modes received in the bitstream to form a prediction blockfrom spatially adjacent blocks. Inverse quantization unit 56 inversequantizes, i.e., de-quantizes, the quantized block coefficients providedin the bitstream and decoded by entropy decoding unit 52. The inversequantization process may include a conventional process, e.g., asdefined by the H.264 decoding standard. The inverse quantization processmay also include use of a quantization parameter QP_(Y) calculated byencoder 50 for each 64×64 macroblock to determine a degree ofquantization and, likewise, a degree of inverse quantization that shouldbe applied.

Inverse transform unit 58 applies an inverse transform, e.g., an inverseDCT, an inverse integer transform, or a conceptually similar inversetransform process, to the transform coefficients in order to produceresidual blocks in the pixel domain. Motion compensation unit 54produces motion compensated blocks, possibly performing interpolationbased on interpolation filters. Identifiers for interpolation filters tobe used for motion estimation with sub-pixel precision may be includedin the syntax elements. Motion compensation unit 54 may useinterpolation filters as used by video encoder 50 during encoding of thevideo block to calculate interpolated values for sub-integer pixels of areference block. Motion compensation unit 54 may determine theinterpolation filters used by video encoder 50 according to receivedsyntax information and use the interpolation filters to producepredictive blocks.

Motion compensation unit 54 uses some of the syntax information todetermine sizes of macroblocks used to encode frame(s) of the encodedvideo sequence, partition information that describes how each macroblockof a frame of the encoded video sequence is partitioned, modesindicating how each partition is encoded, one or more reference frames(or lists) for each inter-encoded macroblock or partition, and otherinformation to decode the encoded video sequence.

Summer 64 sums the residual blocks with the corresponding predictionblocks generated by motion compensation unit 54 or intra-prediction unitto form decoded blocks. If desired, a deblocking filter may also beapplied to filter the decoded blocks in order to remove blockinessartifacts. The decoded video blocks are then stored in reference framestore 62, which provides reference blocks for subsequent motioncompensation and also produces decoded video for presentation on adisplay device (such as device 32 of FIG. 1). The decoded video blocksmay each comprise a 64×64 pixel macroblock, 32×32 pixel macroblock, orother larger-than-standard macroblock. Some macroblocks may includepartitions with a variety of different partition sizes.

FIG. 4A is a conceptual diagram illustrating example partitioning amongvarious partition levels of a large macroblock. Blocks of each partitionlevel include a number of pixels corresponding to the particular level.Four partitioning patterns are also shown for each level, where a firstpartition pattern includes the whole block, a second partition patternincludes two horizontal partitions of equal size, a third partitionpattern includes two vertical partitions of equal size, and a fourthpartition pattern includes four equally-sized partitions. One of thepartitioning patterns may be chosen for each partition at each partitionlevel.

In the example of FIG. 4A, level 0 corresponds to a 64×64 pixelmacroblock partition of luma samples and associated chroma samples.Level 1 corresponds to a 32×32 pixel block of luma samples andassociated chroma samples. Level 2 corresponds to a 16×16 pixel block ofluma samples and associated chroma samples, and level 3 corresponds toan 8×8 pixel block of luma samples and associated chroma samples.

In other examples, additional levels could be introduced to utilizelarger or smaller numbers of pixels. For example, level 0 could beginwith a 128×128 pixel macroblock, a 256×256 pixel macroblock, or otherlarger-sized macroblock. The highest-numbered level, in some examples,could be as fine-grain as a single pixel, i.e., a 1×1 block. Hence, fromthe lowest to highest levels, partitioning may be increasinglysub-partitioned, such that the macroblock is partitioned, partitions arefurther partitioned, further partitions are still further partitioned,and so forth. In some instances, partitions below level 0, i.e.,partitions of partitions, may be referred to as sub-partitions.

When a block at one level is partitioned using four equally-sizedsub-blocks, any or all of the sub-blocks may be partitioned according tothe partition patterns of the next level. That is, for an N×N block thathas been partitioned at level x into four equally sized sub-blocks(N/2)×(N/2), any of the (N/2)×(N/2) sub-blocks can be furtherpartitioned according to any of the partition patterns of level x+1.Thus, a 32×32 pixel sub-block of a 64×64 pixel macroblock at level 0 canbe further partitioned according to any of the patterns shown in FIG. 4Aat level 1, e.g., 32×32, 32×16 and 32×16, 16×32 and 16×32, or 16×16,16×16, 16×16 and 16×16. Likewise, where four 16×16 pixel sub-blocksresult from a 32×32 pixel sub-block being partitioned, each of the 16×16pixel sub-blocks can be further partitioned according to any of thepatterns shown in FIG. 4A at level 2. Where four 8×8 pixel sub-blocksresult from a 16×16 pixel sub-block being partitioned, each of the 8×8pixel sub-blocks can be further partitioned according to any of thepatterns shown in FIG. 4A at level 3.

Using the example four levels of partitions shown in FIG. 4A, largehomogeneous areas and fine sporadic changes can be adaptivelyrepresented by an encoder implementing the framework and techniques ofthis disclosure. For example, video encoder 50 may determine differentpartitioning levels for different macroblocks, as well as coding modesto apply to such partitions, e.g., based on rate-distortion analysis.Also, as described in greater detail below, video encoder 50 may encodeat least some of the final partitions differently, using spatial(P-encoded or B-encoded) or temporal (I-encoded) prediction, e.g., basedon rate-distortion metric results or other considerations.

Instead of coding a large macroblock uniformly such that all partitionshave the same intra- or inter-coding mode, a large macroblock may becoded such that some partitions have different coding mode. For example,some (at least one) partitions may be coded with different intra-codingmodes (e.g., I_(—)16×16, I_(—)8×8, I_(—)4×4) relative to other (at leastone) partitions in the same macroblock. Also, some (at least one)partitions may be intra-coded while other (at least one) partitions inthe same macroblock are inter-coded.

For example, video encoder 50 may, for a 32×32 block with four 16×16partitions, encode some of the 16×16 partitions using spatial predictionand other 16×16 partitions using temporal prediction. As anotherexample, video encoder 50 may, for a 32×32 block with four 16×16partitions, encode one or more of the 16×16 partitions using a firstprediction mode (e.g., one of I_(—)16×16, I_(—)8×8, I_(—)4×4) and one ormore other 16×16 partitions using a different spatial prediction mode(e.g., one of I_(—)16×16, I_(—)8×8, I_(—)4×4).

FIG. 4B is a conceptual diagram illustrating assignment of differentcoding modes to different partitions a large macroblock. In particular,FIG. 4B illustrates assignment of an I_(—)16×16 intra-coding mode to anupper left 16×16 block of a large 32×32 macroblock, I_(—)8×8intra-coding modes to upper right and lower left 16×16 blocks of thelarge 32×32 macroblock, and an I_(—)4×4 intra-coding mode to a lowerright 16×16 block of the large 32×32 macroblock. In some cases, thecoding modes illustrated in FIG. 4B may be H.264 intra-coding modes forluma coding.

In the manner described, each partition can be further partitioned on aselective basis, and each final partition can be selectively coded usingeither temporal prediction or spatial prediction, and using selectedtemporal or spatial coding modes. Consequently, it is possible to code alarge macroblock with mixed modes such that some partitions in themacroblock are intra-coded and other partitions in the same macroblockare inter-coded, or some partitions in the same macroblock are codedwith different intra-coding modes or different inter-coding modes.

Video encoder 50 may further define each partition according to amacroblock type. The macroblock type may be included as a syntax elementin an encoded bitstream, e.g., as a syntax element in a macroblockheader. In general, the macroblock type may be used to identify how themacroblock is partitioned, and the respective methods or modes forencoding each of the partitions of the macroblock, as discussed above.Methods for encoding the partitions may include not only intra- andinter-coding, but also particular modes of intra-coding (e.g.,I_(—)16×16, I_(—)8×8, I_(—)4×4) or inter-coding (e.g., P_ or B_(—)16×16,16×8, 8×16, 8×8, 8×4, 4×8 and 4×4).

As discussed with respect to the example of Table 1 below in greaterdetail for P-blocks and with respect to the example of Table 2 below forB-blocks, partition level 0 blocks may be defined according to anMB64_type syntax element, representative of a macroblock with 64×64pixels. Similar type definitions may be formed for any MB[N]_type, where[N] refers to a block with N×N pixels, where N is a positive integerthat may be greater than 16. When an N×N block has four partitions ofsize (N/2)×(N/2), as shown in the last column on FIG. 4A, each of thefour partitions may receive their own type definitions, e.g.,MB[N/2]_type. For example, for a 64×64 pixel block (of type MB64_type)with four 32×32 pixel partitions, video encoder 50 may introduce anMB32_type for each of the four 32×32 pixel partitions. These macroblocktype syntax elements may assist decoder 60 in decoding large macroblocksand various partitions of large macroblocks, as described in thisdisclosure. Each N×N pixel macroblock where N is greater than 16generally corresponds to a unique type definition. Accordingly, theencoder may generate syntax appropriate for the particular macroblockand indicate to the decoder the maximum size of macroblocks in a codedunit, such as a frame, slice, or sequence of macroblocks. In thismanner, the decoder may receive an indication of a syntax decoder toapply to macroblocks of the coded unit. This also ensures that thedecoder may be backwards-compatible with existing coding standards, suchas H.264, in that the encoder may indicate the type of syntax decodersto apply to the macroblocks, e.g., standard H.264 or those specified forprocessing of larger macroblocks according to the techniques of thisdisclosure.

In general, each MB[N] type definition may represent, for acorresponding type, a number of pixels in a block of the correspondingtype (e.g., 64×64), a reference frame (or reference list) for the block,a number of partitions for the block, the size of each partition of theblock, how each partition is encoded (e.g., intra or inter andparticular modes), and the reference frame (or reference list) for eachpartition of the block when the partition is inter-coded. For 16×16 andsmaller blocks, video encoder 50 may, in some examples, use conventionaltype definitions as the types of the blocks, such as types specified bythe H.264 standard. In other examples, video encoder 50 may apply newlydefined block types for 16×16 and smaller blocks.

Video encoder 50 may evaluate both conventional inter- or intra-codingmethods using normal macroblock sizes and partitions, such as methodsprescribed by ITU H.264, and inter- or intra-coding methods using thelarger macroblocks and partitions described by this disclosure, andcompare the rate-distortion characteristics of each approach todetermine which method results in the best rate-distortion performance.Video encoder 50 then may select, and apply to the block to be coded,the best coding approach, including inter- or intra-mode, macroblocksize (large, larger or normal), and partitioning, based on optimal oracceptable rate-distortion results for the coding approach. As anillustration, video encoder 50 may select the use of 64×64 macroblocks,32×32 macroblocks or 16×16 macroblocks to encode a particular frame orslice based on rate-distortion results produced when the video encoderuses such macroblock sizes.

In general, two different approaches may be used to design intra modesusing large macroblocks. As one example, during intra-coding, spatialprediction may be performed for a block based on neighboring blocksdirectly. In accordance with the techniques of this disclosure, videoencoder 50 may generate spatial predictive 32×32 blocks based on theirneighboring pixels directly and generate spatial predictive 64×64 blocksbased on their neighboring pixels directly. In this manner, spatialprediction may be performed at a larger scale compared to 16×16 intrablocks. Therefore, these techniques may, in some examples, result insome bit rate savings, e.g., with a smaller number of blocks orpartitions per frame or slice.

As another example, video encoder 50 may group four N×N blocks togetherto generate an (N*2)×(N*2) block, and then encode the (N*2)×(N*2) block.Using existing H.264 intra-coding modes, video encoder 50 may group fourintra-coded blocks together, thereby forming a large intra-codedmacroblock. For example, four intra-coded blocks, each having a size of16×16, can be grouped together to form a large, 32×32 intra-coded block.Video encoder 50 may encode each of the four corresponding N×N blocksusing a different encoding mode, e.g., I_(—)16×16, I_(—)8×8, or I_(—)4×4according to H.264. In this manner, each 16×16 block can be assigned itsown mode of spatial prediction by video encoder 50, e.g., to promotefavorable encoding results.

Video encoder 50 may design intra modes according to either of the twodifferent methods discussed above, and analyze the different methods todetermine which approach provides better encoding results. For example,video encoder 50 may apply the different intra mode approaches, andplace them in a single candidate pool to allow them to compete with eachother for the best rate-distortion performance. Using a rate-distortioncomparison between the different approaches, video encoder 50 candetermine how to encode each partition and/or macroblock. In particular,video encoder 50 may select the coding modes that produce the bestrate-distortion performance for a given macroblock, and apply thosecoding modes to encode the macroblock.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a hierarchical view ofvarious partition levels of a large macroblock. FIG. 5 also representsthe relationships between various partition levels of a large macroblockas described with respect to FIG. 4A. Each block of a partition level,as illustrated in the example of FIG. 5, may have a corresponding codedblock pattern (CBP) value. The CBP values form part of the syntaxinformation that describes a block or macroblock. In one example, theCBP values are each one-bit syntax values that indicate whether or notthere are any nonzero transform coefficient values in a given blockfollowing transform and quantization operations.

In some cases, a prediction block may be very close in pixel content toa block to be coded such that all of the residual transform coefficientsare quantized to zero, in which case there may be no need to transmittransform coefficients for the coded block. Instead, the CBP value forthe block may be set to zero to indicate that the coded block includesno non-zero coefficients. Alternatively, if a block includes at leastone non-zero coefficient, the CBP value may be set to one. Decoder 60may use CBP values to identify residual blocks that are coded, i.e.,with one or more non-zero transform coefficients, versus blocks that arenot coded, i.e., including no non-zero transform coefficients.

In accordance with some of the techniques described in this disclosure,an encoder may assign CBP values to large macroblocks hierarchicallybased on whether those macroblocks, including their partitions, have atleast one non-zero coefficient, and assign CBP values to the partitionsto indicate which partitions have non-zero coefficients. HierarchicalCBP for large macroblocks can facilitate processing of large macroblocksto quickly identify coded large macroblocks and uncoded largemacroblocks, and permit identification of coded partitions at eachpartition level for the large macroblock to determine whether it isnecessary to use residual data to decode the blocks.

In one example, a 64×64 pixel macroblock at level zero may includesyntax information comprising a CBP64 value, e.g., a one-bit value, toindicate whether the entire 64×64 pixel macroblock, including anypartitions, has non-zero coefficients or not. In one example, videoencoder 50 “sets” the CBP64 bit, e.g., to a value of “1,” to representthat the 64×64 pixel macroblock includes at least one non-zerocoefficient. Thus, when the CBP64 value is set, e.g., to a value of “1,”the 64×64 pixel macroblock includes at least one non-zero coefficientsomewhere in the macroblock. In another example, video encoder 50“clears” the CBP64 value, e.g., to a value of “0,” to represent that the64×64 pixel macroblock has all zero coefficients. Thus, when the CBP64value is cleared, e.g., to a value of “0,” the 64×64 pixel macroblock isindicated as having all zero coefficients. Macroblocks with CBP64 valuesof “0” do not generally require transmission of residual data in thebitstream, whereas macroblocks with CBP64 values of “1” generallyrequire transmission of residual data in the bitstream for use indecoding such macroblocks.

A 64×64 pixel macroblock that has all zero coefficients need not includeCBP values for partitions or sub-blocks thereof. That is, because the64×64 pixel macroblock has all zero coefficients, each of the partitionsalso necessarily has all zero coefficients. On the contrary, a 64×64pixel macroblock that includes at least one non-zero coefficient mayfurther include CBP values for the partitions at the next partitionlevel. For example, a CBP64 with a value of one may include additionalsyntax information in the form of a one-bit value CBP32 for each 32×32partition of the 64×64 block. That is, in one example, each 32×32 pixelpartition (such as the four partition blocks of level 1 in FIG. 5) of a64×64 pixel macroblock is assigned a CBP32 value as part of the syntaxinformation of the 64×64 pixel macroblock. As with the CBP64 value, eachCBP32 value may comprise a bit that is set to a value of one when thecorresponding 32×32 pixel block has at least one non-zero coefficientand that is cleared to a value of zero when the corresponding 32×32pixel block has all zero coefficients. The encoder may further indicate,in syntax of a coded unit comprising a plurality of macroblocks, such asa frame, slice, or sequence, the maximum size of a macroblock in thecoded unit, to indicate to the decoder how to interpret the syntaxinformation of each macroblock, e.g., which syntax decoder to use forprocessing of macroblocks in the coded unit.

In this manner, a 64×64 pixel macroblock that has all zero coefficientsmay use a single bit to represent the fact that the macroblock has allzero coefficients, whereas a 64×64 pixel macroblock with at least onenon-zero coefficient may include CBP syntax information comprising atleast five bits, a first bit to represent that the 64×64 pixelmacroblock has a non-zero coefficient and four additional bits, eachrepresentative of whether a corresponding one of four 32×32 pixelpartitions of the macroblock includes at least one non-zero coefficient.In some examples, when the first three of the four additional bits arezero, the fourth additional bit may not be included, which the decodermay interpret as the last partition being one. That is, the encoder maydetermine that the last bit has a value of one when the first three bitsare zero and when the bit representative of the higher level hierarchyhas a value of one. For example, a prefix of a CBP64 value of “10001”may be shortened to “1000,” as the first bit indicates that at least oneof the four partitions has non-zero coefficients, and the next threezeros indicate that the first three partitions have all zerocoefficients. Therefore, a decoder may deduce that it is the lastpartition that includes a non-zero coefficient, without the explicit bitinforming the decoder of this fact, e.g., from the bit string “1000.”That is, the decoder may interpret the CBP64 prefix “1000” as “10001.”

Likewise, a one-bit CBP32 may be set to a value of “1” when the 32×32pixel partition includes at least one non-zero coefficient, and to avalue of “0” when all of the coefficients have a value of zero. If a32×32 pixel partition has a CBP value of 1, then partitions of that32×32 partition at the next partition level may be assigned CBP valuesto indicate whether the respective partitions include any non-zerocoefficients. Hence, the CBP values may be assigned in a hierarchicalmanner at each partition level until there are no further partitionlevels or no partitions including non-zero coefficients.

In the above manner, encoders and/or decoders may utilize hierarchicalCBP values to represent whether a large macroblock (e.g., 64×64 or32×32) and partitions thereof include at least one non-zero coefficientor all zero coefficients. Accordingly, an encoder may encode a largemacroblock of a coded unit of a digital video stream, such that themacroblock block comprises greater than 16×16 pixels, generateblock-type syntax information that identifies the size of the block,generate a CBP value for the block, such that the CBP value identifieswhether the block includes at least one non-zero coefficient, andgenerate additional CBP values for various partition levels of theblock, if applicable.

In one example, the hierarchical CBP values may comprise an array ofbits (e.g., a bit vector) whose length depends on the values of theprefix. The array may further represent a hierarchy of CBP values, suchas a tree structure, as shown in FIG. 5. The array may represent nodesof the tree in a breadth-first manner, where each node corresponds to abit in the array. When a note of the tree has a bit that is set to “1,”in one example, the node has four branches (corresponding to the fourpartitions), and when the bit is cleared to “0,” the node has nobranches.

In this example, to identify the values of the nodes that branch from aparticular node X, an encoder and/or a decoder may determine the fourconsecutive bits starting at node Y that represent the nodes that branchfrom node x by calculating:

$y = {\left( {4 \star {\sum\limits_{i = 0}^{x}{{tree}\lbrack i\rbrack}}} \right) - 3}$

where tree[ ] corresponds to the array of bits with a starting index of0, i is an integer index into the array tree[ ], x corresponds to theindex of node X in tree[ ], and y corresponds to the index of node Ythat is the first branch-node of node X. The three subsequent arraypositions (i.e., y+1, y+2, and y+3) correspond to the other branch-nodesof node X.

An encoder, such as video encoder 50 (FIG. 2), may assign CBP values for16×16 pixel partitions of the 32×32 pixel partitions with at least onenon-zero coefficient using existing methods, such as methods prescribedby ITU H.264 for setting CBP values for 16×16 blocks, as part of thesyntax of the 64×64 pixel macroblock. The encoder may also select CBPvalues for the partitions of the 32×32 pixel partitions that have atleast one non-zero coefficient based on the size of the partitions, atype of block corresponding to the partitions (e.g., chroma block orluma block), or other characteristics of the partitions. Example methodsfor setting a CBP value of a partition of a 32×32 pixel partition arediscussed in further detail with respect to FIGS. 8 and 9.

FIGS. 6-9 are flowcharts illustrating example methods for settingvarious coded block pattern (CBP) values in accordance with thetechniques of this disclosure. Although the example methods of FIGS. 6-9are discussed with respect to a 64×64 pixel macroblock, it should beunderstood that similar techniques may apply for assigning hierarchicalCBP values for other sizes of macroblocks. Although the examples ofFIGS. 6-9 are discussed with respect to video encoder 50 (FIG. 2), itshould be understood that other encoders may employ similar methods toassign CBP values to larger-than-standard macroblocks. Likewise,decoders may utilize similar, albeit reciprocal, methods forinterpreting the meaning of a particular CBP value for a macroblock. Forexample, if an inter-coded macroblock received in the bitstream has aCBP value of “0,” the decoder may receive no residual data for themacroblock and may simply produce a predictive block identified by amotion vector as the decoded macroblock, or a group of predictive blocksidentified by motion vectors with respect to partitions of themacroblock.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example method for setting a CBP64value of an example 64×64 pixel macroblock. Similar methods may beapplied for macroblocks larger than 64×64. Initially, video encoder 50receives a 64×64 pixel macroblock (100). Motion estimation unit 36 andmotion compensation unit 35 may then generate one or more motion vectorsand one or more residual blocks to encode the macroblock, respectively.The output of transform unit 38 generally comprises an array of residualtransform coefficient values for an intra-coded block or a residualblock of an inter-coded block, which array is quantized by quantizationunit 40 to produce a series of quantized transform coefficients.

Entropy coding unit 46 may provide entropy coding and other codingfunctions separate from entropy coding. For example, in addition toCAVLC, CABAC, or other entropy coding functions, entropy coding unit 46or another unit of video encoder 50 may determine CBP values for thelarge macroblocks and partitions. In particular, entropy coding unit 46may determine the CBP64 value for a 64×64 pixel macroblock by firstdetermining whether the macroblock has at least one non-zero, quantizedtransform coefficient (102). When entropy coding unit 46 determines thatall of the transform coefficients have a value of zero (“NO” branch of102), entropy coding unit 46 clears the CBP64 value for the 64×64macroblock, e.g., resets a bit for the CBP64 value to “0” (104). Whenentropy coding unit 46 identifies at least one non-zero coefficient(“YES” branch of 102) for the 64×65 macroblock, entropy coding unit 46sets the CBP64 value, e.g., sets a bit for the CBP64 value to “1” (106).

When the macroblock has all zero coefficients, entropy coding unit 46does not need to establish any additional CBP values for the partitionsof the macroblock, which may reduce overhead. In one example, when themacroblock has at least one non-zero coefficient, however, entropycoding unit 46 proceeds to determine CBP values for each of the four32×32 pixel partitions of the 64×64 pixel macroblock (108). Entropycoding unit 46 may utilize the method described with respect to FIG. 7four times, once for each of the four partitions, to establish fourCBP32 values, each corresponding to a different one of the four 32×32pixel partitions of the 64×64 macroblock. In this manner, when amacroblock has all zero coefficients, entropy coding unit 46 maytransmit a single bit with a value of “0” to indicate that themacroblock has all zero coefficients, whereas when the macroblock has atleast one non-zero coefficient, entropy coding unit 46 may transmit fivebits, one bit for the macroblock and four bits, each corresponding toone of the four partitions of the macroblock. In addition, when apartition includes at least one non-zero coefficient, residual data forthe partition may be sent in the encoded bitstream. As with the exampleof the CBP64 discussed above, when the first three of the fouradditional bits are zero, the fourth additional bit may not benecessary, because the decoder may determine that it has a value of one.Thus in some examples, the encoder may only send three zeros, i.e.,“000,” rather than three zeros and a one, i.e., “0001.”

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example method for setting a CBP32value of a 32×32 pixel partition of a 64×64 pixel macroblock. Initially,for the next partition level, entropy coding unit 46 receives a 32×32pixel partition of the macroblock (110), e.g., one of the fourpartitions referred to with respect to FIG. 6. Entropy coding unit 46then determines a CBP32 value for the 32×32 pixel partition by firstdetermining whether the partition includes at least one non-zerocoefficient (112). When entropy coding unit 46 determines that all ofthe coefficients for the partition have a value of zero (“NO” branch of112), entropy coding unit 46 clears the CBP32 value, e.g., resets a bitfor the CBP32 value to “0” (114). When entropy coding unit 46 identifiesat least one non-zero coefficient of the partition (“YES” branch of112), entropy coding unit 46 sets the CBP32 value, e.g., sets a bit forthe CBP32 value to a value of “1” (116).

In one example, when the partition has all zero coefficients, entropycoding unit 46 does not establish any additional CBP values for thepartition. When a partition includes at least one non-zero coefficient,however, entropy coding unit 46 determines CBP values for each of thefour 16×16 pixel partitions of the 32×32 pixel partition of themacroblock. Entropy coding unit 46 may utilize the method described withrespect to FIG. 8 to establish four CBP16 values each corresponding toone of the four 16×16 pixel partitions.

In this manner, when a partition has all zero coefficients, entropycoding unit 46 may set a bit with a value of “0” to indicate that thepartition has all zero coefficients, whereas when the partition has atleast one non-zero coefficient, entropy coding unit 46 may include fivebits, one bit for the partition and four bits each corresponding to adifferent one of the four sub-partitions of the partition of themacroblock. Hence, each additional partition level may present fouradditional CBP bits when the partition in the preceding partition levelhad at least one nonzero transform coefficient value. As one example, ifa 64×64 macroblock has a CBP value of 1, and four 32×32 partitions haveCBP values of 1, 0, 1 and 1, respectively, the overall CBP value up tothat point is 11011. Additional CBP bits may be added for additionalpartitions of the 32×32 partitions, e.g., into 16×16 partitions.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example method for setting a CBP16value of a 16×16 pixel partition of a 32×32 pixel partition of a 64×64pixel macroblock. For certain 16×16 pixel partitions, video encoder 50may utilize CBP values as prescribed by a video coding standard, such asITU H.264, as discussed below. For other 16×16 partitions, video encoder50 may utilize CBP values in accordance with other techniques of thisdisclosure. Initially, as shown in FIG. 8, entropy coding unit 46receives a 16×16 partition (120), e.g., one of the 16×16 partitions of a32×32 partition described with respect to FIG. 7.

Entropy coding unit 46 may then determine whether a motion partition forthe 16×16 pixel partition is larger than an 8×8 pixel block (122). Ingeneral, a motion partition describes a partition in which motion isconcentrated. For example, a 16×16 pixel partition with only one motionvector may be considered a 16×16 motion partition. Similarly, for a16×16 pixel partition with two 8×16 partitions, each having one motionvector, each of the two 8×16 partitions may be considered an 8×16 motionpartition. In any case, when the motion partition is not larger than an8×8 pixel block (“NO” branch of 122), entropy coding unit 46 assigns aCBP value to the 16×16 pixel partition in the same manner as prescribedby ITU H.264 (124), in the example of FIG. 8.

When there exists a motion partition for the 16×16 pixel partition thatis larger than an 8×8 pixel block (“YES” branch of 122), entropy codingunit 46 constructs and sends a lumacbp16 value (125) using the stepsfollowing step 125. In the example of FIG. 8, to construct the lumacbp16value, entropy coding unit 46 determines whether the 16×16 pixel lumacomponent of the partition has at least one non-zero coefficient (126).When the 16×16 pixel luma component has all zero coefficients (“NO”branch of 126), entropy coding unit 46 assigns the CBP16 value accordingto the Coded Block Pattern Chroma portion of ITU H.264 (128), in theexample of FIG. 8.

When entropy coding unit 46 determines that the 16×16 pixel lumacomponent has at least one non-zero coefficient (“YES” branch of 126),entropy coding unit 46 determines a transform-size flag for the 16×16pixel partition (130). The transform-size flag generally indicates atransform being used for the partition. The transform represented by thetransform-size flag may include one of a 4×4 transform, an 8×8transform, a 16×16 transform, a 16×8 transform, or an 8×16 transform.The transform-size flag may comprise an integer value that correspondsto an enumerated value that identifies one of the possible transforms.Entropy coding unit 46 may then determine whether the transform-sizeflag represents that the transform size is greater than or equal to 16×8(or 8×16) (132).

When the transform-size flag does not indicate that the transform sizeis greater than or equal to 16×8 (or 8×16) (“NO” branch of 132), entropycoding unit 46 assigns a value to CBP16 according to ITU H.264 (134), inthe example of FIG. 8. When the transform-size flag indicates that thetransform size is greater than or equal to 16×8 (or 8×16) (“YES” branchof 132), entropy coding unit 46 then determines whether a type for the16×16 pixel partition is either two 16×8 or two 8×16 pixel partitions(136).

When the type for the 16×16 pixel partition is not two 16×8 and not two8×16 pixel partitions (“NO” branch of 138), entropy coding unit 46assigns the CBP16 value according to the Chroma Coded Block Partitionprescribed by ITU H.264 (140), in the example of FIG. 8. When the typefor the 16×16 pixel partition is either two 16×8 or two 8×16 pixelpartitions (“YES” branch of 136), entropy coding unit 46 also uses theChroma Coded Block Pattern prescribed by ITU H.264, but in additionassigns the CBP16 value a two-bit luma 16×8_CBP value (142), e.g.,according to the method described with respect to FIG. 9.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example method for determining atwo-bit luma 16×8_CBP value. Entropy coding unit 46 receives a 16×16pixel partition that is further partitioned into two 16×8 or two 8×16pixel partitions (150). Entropy coding unit 46 generally assigns eachbit of luma 16×8_CBP according to whether a corresponding sub-block ofthe 16×16 pixel partition includes at least one non-zero coefficient.

Entropy coding unit 46 determines whether a first sub-block of the 16×16pixel partition has at least one non-zero coefficient to determinewhether the first sub-block has at least one non-zero coefficient (152).When the first sub-block has all zero coefficients (“NO” branch of 152),entropy coding unit 46 clears the first bit of luma 16×8_CBP, e.g.,assigns luma 16×8_CBP[0] a value of “0” (154). When the first sub-blockhas at least one non-zero coefficient (“YES” branch of 152), entropycoding unit 46 sets the first bit of luma 16×8_CBP, e.g., assigns luma16×8_CBP[0] a value of “1” (156).

Entropy coding unit 46 also determines whether a second sub-partition ofthe 16×16 pixel partition has at least one non-zero coefficient (158).When the second sub-partition has all zero coefficients (“NO” branch of158), entropy coding unit 46 clears the second bit of luma 16×8_CBP,e.g., assigns luma 16×8_CBP[1] a value of “0” (160). When the secondsub-block has at least one non-zero coefficient (“YES” branch of 158),entropy coding unit 46 then sets the second bit of luma 16×8_CBP, e.g.,assigns luma 16×8_CBP[1] a value of “1” (162).

The following pseudocode provides one example implementation of themethods described with respect to FIGS. 8 and 9:

if (motion partition bigger than 8x8) { lumacbp16 if (lumacbp16 != 0) {transform_size_flag if (transform_size_flag ==TRANSFORM_SIZE_GREATER_THAN_16x8) { if ((mb16_type ==P_16x8) OR(mb16_type==P_8x16)) { luma16x8_cbp chroma_cbp } else chroma_cbp } elseh264_cbp } else chroma_cbp } else h264_cbp

In the pseudocode, “lumacbp16” corresponds to an operation of appendinga one-bit flag indicating whether an entire 16×16 luma block has nonzerocoefficients or not. When “lumacbp16” equals one, there is at least onenonzero coefficient. The function “Transform size flag” refers to acalculation performed having a result that indicates the transform beingused, e.g., one of a 4×4 transform, 8×8 transform, 16×16 transform (formotion partition equal to or bigger than 16×16), 16×8 transform (forP_(—)16×8), or 8×16 transform (for P_(—)8×16).TRANSFORM_SIZE_GREATER_THAN_(—)16×8 is an enumerated value (e.g., “2”)that is used to indicate that a transform size is greater than or equalto 16×8 or 8×16. The result of the transform size flag is incorporatedinto the syntax information of the 64×64 pixel macroblock.

“Luma 16×8_cbp” refers to a calculation that produces a two-bit numberwith each bit indicating whether one of the two partitions of P_(—)16×8or P_(—)8×16 has nonzero coefficients or not. The two-bit numberresulting from luma 16×8_cbp is incorporated into the syntax of the64×64 pixel macroblock. The value “chroma_cbp” may be calculated in thesame manner as the CodedBlockPatternChroma as prescribed by ITU H.264.The calculated chroma_cbp value is incorporated into the syntaxinformation of the 64×64 pixel macroblock. The function h264_cbp may becalculated in the same way as the CBP defined in ITU H.264. Thecalculated H264_cbp value is incorporated into the syntax information ofthe 64×64 pixel macroblock.

In general, a method according to FIGS. 6-9 may include encoding, with avideo encoder, a video block having a size of more than 16×16 pixels,generating block-type syntax information that indicates the size of theblock, and generating a coded block pattern value for the encoded block,wherein the coded block pattern value indicates whether the encodedblock includes at least one non-zero coefficient.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example arrangement of a64×64 pixel macroblock. The macroblock of FIG. 10 comprises four 32×32partitions, labeled A, B, C, and D in FIG. 10. As discussed with respectto FIG. 4A, in one example, a block may be partitioned in any one offour ways: the entire block (64×64) with no sub-partitions, twoequal-sized horizontal partitions (32×64 and 32×64), two equal-sizedvertical partitions (64×32 and 64×32), or four equal-sized squarepartitions (32×32, 32×32, 32×32 and 32×32).

In the example of FIG. 10, the whole block partition comprises each ofblocks A, B, C, and D; a first one of the two equal-sized horizontalpartitions comprises A and B, while a second one of the two equal-sizedhorizontal partitions comprises C and D; a first one of the twoequal-sized vertical partitions comprises A and C, while a second one ofthe two equal-sized vertical partitions comprises B and D; and the fourequal-sized square partitions correspond to one of each of A, B, C, andD. Similar partition schemes can be used for any size block, e.g.,larger than 64×64 pixels, 32×32 pixels, 16×16 pixels, 8×8 pixels, orother sizes of video blocks.

When a video block is intra-coded, various methods may be used forpartitioning the video block. Moreover, each of the partitions may beintra-coded differently, i.e., with a different mode, such as differentintra-modes. For example, a 32×32 partition, such as partition A of FIG.10, may be further partitioned into four equal-sized blocks of size16×16 pixels. As one example, ITU H.264 describes three differentmethods for intra-encoding a 16×16 macroblock, including intra-coding atthe 16×16 level, intra-coding at the 8×8 level, and intra-coding at the4×4 level. However, ITU H.264 prescribes encoding each partition of a16×16 macroblock using the same intra-coding mode. Therefore, accordingto ITU H.264, if one sub-block of a 16×16 macroblock is to beintra-coded at the 4×4 level, every sub-block of the 16×16 macroblockmust be intra-coded at the 4×4 level.

An encoder configured according to the techniques of this disclosure, onthe other hand, may apply a mixed mode approach. For intra-coding, forexample, a large macroblock may have various partitions encoded withdifferent coding modes. As an illustration, in a 32×32 partition, one16×16 partition may be intra-coded at the 4×4 pixel level, while other16×16 partitions may be intra-coded at the 8×8 pixel level, and one16×16 partition may be intra-coded at the 16×16 level, e.g., as shown inFIG. 4B.

When a video block is to be partitioned into four equal-sized sub-blocksfor intra-coding, the first block to be intra-coded may be theupper-left block, followed by the block immediately to the right of thefirst block, followed by the block immediately beneath the first block,and finally followed by the block beneath and to the right of the firstblock. With reference to the example block of FIG. 10, the order ofintra-coding would proceed from A to B to C and finally to D. AlthoughFIG. 10 depicts a 64×64 pixel macroblock, intra-coding of a partitionedblock of a different size may follow this same ordering.

When a video block is to be inter-coded as part of a P-frame or P-slice,the block may be partitioned into any of the four above-describedpartitions, each of which may be separately encoded. That is, eachpartition of the block may be encoded according to a different encodingmode, either intra-encoded (I-coded) or inter-encoded with reference toa single reference frame/slice/list (P-coded). Table 1, below,summarizes inter-encoding information for each potential partition of ablock of size N×N. Where Table 1 refers to “M,” M=N/2. In Table 1 below,L0 refers to “list 0,” i.e., the reference frame/slice/list. Whendeciding how to best partition the N×N block, an encoder, such as videoencoder 50, may analyze rate-distortion cost information for eachMB_N_type (i.e., each type of partition) based on a Lagrange multiplier,as discussed in greater detail with respect to FIG. 11, selecting thelowest cost as the best partition method.

TABLE 1 Name of # of Prediction Prediction Part Part MB_N_type MB_N_typeparts Mode part 1 Mode part 2 width height 0 P_L0_NxN 1 Pred_L0 N/A N N1 P_L0_L0_NxM 2 Pred_L0 Pred_L0 N M 2 P_L0_L0_MxN 2 Pred_L0 Pred_L0 M N3 PN_MxM 4 N/A N/A M M inferred PN_Skip 1 Pred_L0 N/A N N

In Table 1 above, elements of the column “MB_N_type” are keys for eachtype of partition of an N×N block. Elements of the column “Name ofMB_N_type” are names of different partitioning types of an N×N block.“P” in the name refers to the block being inter-coded using P-coding,i.e., with reference to a single frame/slice/list. “L0” in the namerefers to the reference frame/slice/list, e.g., “list 0,” used asreference frames or slices for P coding. “N×N” refers to the partitionbeing the whole block, “N×M” refers to the partition being twopartitions of width N and height M, “M×N” refers to the partition beingtwo partitions of width M and height N, “M×M” refers to the partitionbeing four equal-sized partitions each with width M and height M.

In Table 1, PN_Skip implies that the block was “skipped,” e.g., becausethe block resulting from coding had all zero coefficients. Elements ofthe column “Prediction Mode part 1” refer to the referenceframe/slice/list for sub-partition 1 of the partition, while elements ofthe column “Prediction Mode part 2” refer to the referenceframe/slice/list for sub-partition 2 of the partition. Because P_L0_N×Nhas only a single partition, the corresponding element of “PredictionMode part 2” is “N/A,” as there is no second sub-partition. For PN_M×M,there exist four partition blocks that may be separately encoded.Therefore, both prediction mode columns for PN_M×M include “N/A.”PN_Skip, as with P_L0_N×N, has only a single part, so the correspondingelement of column “Prediction Mode part 2” is “N/A.”

Table 2, below, includes similar columns and elements to those ofTable 1. However, Table 2 corresponds to various encoding modes for aninter-coded block using bi-directional prediction (B-encoded).Therefore, each partition may be encoded by either or both of a firstframe/slice/list (L0) and a second frame/slice/list (L1). “BiPred”refers to the corresponding partition being predicted from both L0 andL1. In Table 2, column labels and values are similar in meaning to thoseused in Table 1.

TABLE 2 Name of # of Prediction Prediction Part Part MB_N_type MB_N_typeparts Mode part 1 Mode part 2 width height 0 B_Direct_NxN Na Direct na NN 1 B_L0_NxN 1 Pred_L0 na N N 2 B_L1_NxN 1 Pred_L1 na N N 3 B_Bi_NxN 1BiPred na N N 4 B_L0_L0_NxM 2 Pred_L0 Pred_L0 N M 5 B_L0_L0_MxN 2Pred_L0 Pred_L0 M N 6 B_L1_L1_NxM 2 Pred_L1 Pred_L1 N M 7 B_L1_L1_MxN 2Pred_L1 Pred_L1 M N 8 B_L0_L1_NxM 2 Pred_L0 Pred_L1 N M 9 B_L0_L1_MxN 2Pred_L0 Pred_L1 M N 10 B_L1_L0_NxM 2 Pred_L1 Pred_L0 N M 11 B_L1_L0_MxN2 Pred_L1 Pred_L0 M N 12 B_L0_Bi_NxM 2 Pred_L0 BiPred N M 13 B_L0_Bi_MxN2 Pred_L0 BiPred M N 14 B_L1_Bi_NxM 2 Pred_L1 BiPred N M 15 B_L1_Bi_MxN2 Pred_L1 BiPred M N 16 B_Bi_L0_NxM 2 BiPred Pred_L0 N M 17 B_Bi_L0_MxN2 BiPred Pred_L0 M N 18 B_Bi_L1_NxM 2 BiPred Pred_L1 N M 19 B_Bi_L1_MxN2 BiPred Pred_L1 M N 20 B_Bi_Bi_NxM 2 BiPred BiPred N M 21 B_Bi_Bi_MxN 2BiPred BiPred M N 22 BN_MxM 4 na na M M inferred BN_Skip Na Direct na MM

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example method for calculatingoptimal partitioning and encoding methods for an N×N pixel video block.In general, the method of FIG. 11 comprises calculating the cost foreach different encoding method (e.g., various spatial or temporal modes)as applied to each different partitioning method shown in, e.g., FIG.4A, and selecting the combination of encoding mode and partitioningmethod with the best rate-distortion cost for the N×N pixel video block.Cost can be generally calculated using a Lagrange multiplier with rateand distortion values, such that the rate-distortioncost=distortion+λ*rate, where distortion represents error between anoriginal block and a coded block and rate represents the bit ratenecessary to support the coding mode. In some cases, rate and distortionmay be determined on a macroblock, partition, slice or frame level.

Initially, video encoder 50 receives an N×N video block to be encoded(170). For example, video encoder 50 may receive a 64×64 largemacroblock or a partition thereof, such as, for example, a 32×32 or16×16 partition, for which video encoder 50 is to select an encoding andpartitioning method. Video encoder 50 then calculates the cost to encodethe N×N block (172) using a variety of different coding modes, such asdifferent intra- and inter-coding modes. To calculate the cost tospatially encode the N×N block, video encoder 50 may calculate thedistortion and the bitrate needed to encode the N×N block with a givencoding mode, and then calculatecost=distortion_((Mode, N×N))+λ*rate_((Mode, N×N)). Video encoder 50 mayencode the macroblock using the specified coding technique and determinethe resulting bit rate cost and distortion. The distortion may bedetermined based on a pixel difference between the pixels in the codedmacroblock and the pixels in the original macroblock, e.g., based on asum of absolute difference (SAD) metric, sum of square difference (SSD)metric, or other pixel difference metric.

Video encoder 50 may then partition the N×N block into two equally-sizednon-overlapping horizontal N×(N/2) partitions. Video encoder 50 maycalculate the cost to encode each of the partitions using various codingmodes (176). For example, to calculate the cost to encode the firstN×(N/2) partition, video encoder 50 may calculate the distortion and thebitrate to encode the first N×(N/2) partition, and then calculatecost=distortion_((Mode, FIRST PARTITION, N×(N/2)))+λ*rate_((Mode, FIRST PARTITION, N×(N/2))).

Video encoder 50 may then partition the N×N block into two equally-sizednon-overlapping vertical (N/2)×N partitions. Video encoder 50 maycalculate the cost to encode each of the partitions using various codingmodes (178). For example, to calculate the cost to encode the first oneof the (N/2)×N partitions, video encoder 50 may calculate the distortionand the bitrate to encode the first (N/2)×N partition, and thencalculatecost=distortion_((Mode, FIRST PARTITION, (N/2)×N))+λ*rate_((Mode, FIRST PARTITION, (N/2)×N)).Video encoder 50 may perform a similar calculation for the cost toencode the second one of the (N/2)×N macroblock partitions.

Video encoder 50 may then partition the N×N block into fourequally-sized non-overlapping (N/2)×(N/2) partitions. Video encoder 50may calculate the cost to encode the partitions using various codingmodes (180). To calculate the cost to encode the (N/2)×(N/2) partitions,video encoder 50 may first calculate the distortion and the bitrate toencode the upper-left (N/2)×(N/2) partition and find the cost thereof ascost_((Mode, UPPER-LEFT, (N/2)×(N/2)))=distortion_((Mode, UPPER-LEFT, (N/2)×(N/2)))+λ*rate_((Mode, UPPER-LEFT, (N/2)×(N/2))).Video encoder 50 may similarly calculate the cost of each (N/2)×(N/2)block in the order: (1) upper-left partition, (2) upper-right partition,(3) bottom-left partition, (4) bottom-right partition. Video encoder 50may, in some examples, make recursive calls to this method on one ormore of the (N/2)×(N/2) partitions to calculate the cost of partitioningand separately encoding each of the (N/2)×(N/2) partitions further,e.g., as (N/2)×(N/4) partitions, (N/4)×(N/2) partitions, and (N/4)×(N/4)partitions.

Next, video encoder 50 may determine which combination of partitioningand encoding mode produced the best, i.e., lowest, cost in terms of rateand distortion (182). For example, video encoder 50 may compare the bestcost of encoding two adjacent (N/2)×(N/2) partitions to the best cost ofencoding the N×(N/2) partition comprising the two adjacent (N/2)×(N/2)partitions. When the aggregate cost of encoding the two adjacent(N/2)×(N/2) partitions exceeds the cost to encode the N×(N/2) partitioncomprising them, video encoder 50 may select the lower-cost option ofencoding the N×(N/2) partition. In general, video encoder 50 may applyevery combination of partitioning method and encoding mode for eachpartition to identify a lowest cost partitioning and encoding method. Insome cases, video encoder 50 may be configured to evaluate a morelimited set of partitioning and encoding mode combinations.

Upon determining the best, e.g., lowest cost, partitioning and encodingmethods, video encoder 50 may encode the N×N macroblock using thebest-cost determined method (184). In some cases, the result may be alarge macroblock having partitions that are coded using different codingmodes. The ability to apply mixed mode coding to a large macroblock,such that different coding modes are applied to different partitions inthe large macroblock, may permit the macroblock to be coded with reducedcost.

In some examples, method for coding with mixed modes may includereceiving, with video encoder 50, a video block having a size of morethan 16×16 pixels, partitioning the block into partitions, encoding oneof the partitions with a first encoding mode, encoding another of thepartitions with a second coding mode different from the first encodingmode, and generating block-type syntax information that indicates thesize of the block and identifies the partitions and the encoding modesused to encode the partitions.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an example 64×64 pixel largemacroblock with various partitions and different selected encodingmethods for each partition. In the example of FIG. 12, each partition islabeled with one of an “I,” “P,” or “B.” Partitions labeled “I” arepartitions for which an encoder has elected to utilize intra-coding,e.g., based on rate-distortion evaluation. Partitions labeled “P” arepartitions for which the encoder has elected to utilize single-referenceinter-coding, e.g., based on rate-distortion evaluation. Partitionslabeled “B” are partitions for which the encoder has elected to utilizebi-predicted inter-coding, e.g., based on rate-distortion evaluation. Inthe example of FIG. 12, different partitions within the same largemacroblock have different coding modes, including different partition orsub-partition sizes and different intra- or inter-coding modes.

The large macroblock is a macroblock identified by a macroblock syntaxelement that identifies the macroblock type, e.g., mb64_type ormb32_type, for a given coding standard such as an extension of the H.264coding standard. The macroblock type syntax element may be provided as amacroblock header syntax element in the encoded video bitstream. The I-,P- and B-coded partitions illustrated in FIG. 12 may be coded accordingto different coding modes, e.g., intra- or inter-prediction modes withvarious block sizes, including large block size modes for largepartitions greater than 16×16 in size or H.264 modes for partitions thatare less than or equal to 16×16 in size.

In one example, an encoder, such as video encoder 50, may use theexample method described with respect to FIG. 11 to select variousencoding modes and partition sizes for different partitions andsub-partitions of the example large macroblock of FIG. 12. For example,video encoder 50 may receive a 64×64 macroblock, execute the method ofFIG. 11, and produce the example macroblock of FIG. 12 with variouspartition sizes and coding modes as a result. It should be understood,however, that selections for partitioning and encoding modes may resultfrom application of the method of FIG. 11, e.g., based on the type offrame from which the macroblock was selected and based on the inputmacroblock upon which the method is executed. For example, when theframe comprises an I-frame, each partition will be intra-encoded. Asanother example, when the frame comprises a P-frame, each partition mayeither be intra-encoded or inter-coded based on a single reference frame(i.e., without bi-prediction).

The example macroblock of FIG. 12 is assumed to have been selected froma bi-predicted frame (B-frame) for purposes of illustration. In otherexamples, where a macroblock is selected from a P-frame, video encoder50 would not encode a partition using bi-directional prediction.Likewise, where a macroblock is selected from an I-frame, video encoder50 would not encode a partition using inter-coding, either P-encoding orB-encoding. However, in any case, video encoder 50 may select variouspartition sizes for different portions of the macroblock and elect toencode each partition using any available encoding mode.

In the example of FIG. 12, it is assumed that a combination of partitionand mode selection based on rate-distortion analysis has resulted in one32×32 B-coded partition, one 32×32 P-coded partition, on 16×32 I-codedpartition, one 32×16 B-coded partition, one 16×16 P-coded partition, one16×8 P-coded partition, one 8×16 P-coded partition, one 8×8 P-codedpartition, one 8×8 B-coded partition, one 8×8 I-coded partition, andnumerous smaller sub-partitions having various coding modes. The exampleof FIG. 12 is provided for purposes of conceptual illustration of mixedmode coding of partitions in a large macroblock, and should notnecessarily be considered representative of actual coding results for aparticular large 64×64 macroblock.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example method for determining anoptimal size of a macroblock for encoding a frame or slice of a videosequence. Although described with respect to selecting an optimal sizeof a macroblock for a frame, a method similar to that described withrespect to FIG. 13 may be used to select an optimal size of a macroblockfor a slice. Likewise, although the method of FIG. 13 is described withrespect to video encoder 50, it should be understood that any encodermay utilize the example method of FIG. 13 to determine an optimal (e.g.,least cost) size of a macroblock for encoding a frame of a videosequence. In general, the method of FIG. 13 comprises performing anencoding pass three times, once for each of a 16×16 macroblock, a 32×32macroblock, and a 64×64 macroblock, and a video encoder may calculaterate-distortion metrics for each pass to determine which macroblock sizeprovides the best rate-distortion.

Video encoder 50 may first encode a frame using 16×16 pixel macroblocksduring a first encoding pass (190), e.g., using a function encode(frame, MB16 type), to produce an encoded frame F₁₆. After the firstencoding pass, video encoder 50 may calculate the bit rate anddistortion based on the use of 16×16 pixel macroblocks as R₁₆ and D₁₆,respectively (192). Video encoder 50 may then calculate arate-distortion metric in the form of the cost of using 16×16 pixelmacroblocks C₁₆ using the Lagrange multiplier C₁₆=D₁₆+λ*R₁₆ (194).Coding modes and partition sizes may be selected for the 16×16 pixelmacroblocks, for example, according to the H.264 standard.

Video encoder 50 may then encode the frame using 32×32 pixel macroblocksduring a second encoding pass (196), e.g., using a function encode(frame, MB32 type), to produce an encoded frame F₃₂. After the secondencoding pass, video encoder 50 may calculate the bit rate anddistortion based on the use of 32×32 pixel macroblocks as R₃₂ and D₃₂,respectively (198). Video encoder 50 may then calculate arate-distortion metric in the form the cost of using 32×32 pixelmacroblocks C₃₂ using the Lagrange multiplier C₃₂=D₃₂+λ*R₃₂ (200).Coding modes and partition sizes may be selected for the 32×32 pixelmacroblocks, for example, using rate and distortion evaluationtechniques as described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12.

Video encoder 50 may then encode the frame using 64×64 pixel macroblocksduring a third encoding pass (202), e.g., using a function encode(frame, MB64 type), to produce an encoded frame F₆₄. After the thirdencoding pass, video encoder 50 may calculate the bit rate anddistortion based on the use of 64×64 pixel macroblocks as R₆₄ and D₆₄,respectively (204). Video encoder 50 may then calculate arate-distortion metric in the form the cost of using 64×64 pixelmacroblocks C₆₄ using the Lagrange multiplier C₆₄=D₆₄+λ*R₆₄ (206).Coding modes and partition sizes may be selected for the 64×64 pixelmacroblocks, for example, using rate and distortion evaluationtechniques as described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12.

Next, video encoder 50 may determine which of the metrics C₁₆, C₃₂, andC₆₄ is lowest for the frame (208). Video encoder 50 may elect to use theframe encoded with the macroblock size that resulted in the lowest cost(210). Thus, for example, when C₁₆ is lowest, video encoder 50 mayforward frame F₁₆, encoded with the 16×16 macroblocks as the encodedframe in a bitstream for storage or transmission to a decoder. When C₃₂is lowest, video encoder 50 may forward F₃₂, encoded with the 32×32macroblocks. When C₆₄ is lowest, video encoder 50 may forward F₆₄,encoded with the 64×64 macroblocks.

In other examples, video encoder 50 may perform the encoding passes inany order. For example, video encoder 50 may begin with the 64×64macroblock encoding pass, perform the 32×32 macroblock encoding passsecond, and end with the 16×16 macroblock encoding pass. Also, similarmethods may be used for encoding other coded units comprising aplurality of macroblocks, such as slices with different sizes ofmacroblocks. For example, video encoder 50 may apply a method similar tothat of FIG. 13 for selecting an optimal macroblock size for encodingslices of a frame, rather than the entire frame.

Video encoder 50 may also transmit an identifier of the size of themacroblocks for a particular coded unit (e.g., a frame or a slice) inthe header of the coded unit for use by a decoder. In accordance withthe method of FIG. 13, a method may include receiving, with a digitalvideo encoder, a coded unit of a digital video stream, calculating afirst rate-distortion metric corresponding to a rate-distortion forencoding the coded unit using a first plurality of blocks eachcomprising 16×16 pixels, calculating a second rate-distortion metriccorresponding to a rate-distortion for encoding the coded unit using asecond plurality of blocks each comprising greater than 16×16 pixels,and determining which of the first rate-distortion metric and the secondrate-distortion metric is lowest for the coded unit. The method mayfurther include, when the first rate-distortion metric is determined tobe lowest, encoding the coded unit using the first plurality of blocks,and when the second rate-distortion metric is determined to be lowest,encoding the coded unit using the second plurality of blocks.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating an example wirelesscommunication device 230 including a video encoder/decoder CODEC 234that may encode and/or decode digital video data using thelarger-than-standard macroblocks, using any of a variety of thetechniques described in this disclosure. In the example of FIG. 14,wireless communication device 230 includes video camera 232, videoencoder-decoder (CODEC) 234, modulator/demodulator (modem) 236,transceiver 238, processor 240, user interface 242, memory 244, datastorage device 246, antenna 248, and bus 250.

The components included in wireless communication device 230 illustratedin FIG. 14 may be realized by any suitable combination of hardware,software and/or firmware. In the illustrated example, the components aredepicted as separate units. However, in other examples, the variouscomponents may be integrated into combined units within common hardwareand/or software. As one example, memory 244 may store instructionsexecutable by processor 240 corresponding to various functions of videoCODEC 234. As another example, video camera 232 may include a videoCODEC that performs the functions of video CODEC 234, e.g., encodingand/or decoding video data.

In one example, video camera 232 may correspond to video source 18 (FIG.1). In general, video camera 232 may record video data captured by anarray of sensors to generate digital video data. Video camera 232 maysend raw, recorded digital video data to video CODEC 234 for encodingand then to data storage device 246 via bus 250 for data storage.Processor 240 may send signals to video camera 232 via bus 250 regardinga mode in which to record video, a frame rate at which to record video,a time at which to end recording or to change frame rate modes, a timeat which to send video data to video CODEC 234, or signals indicatingother modes or parameters.

User interface 242 may comprise one or more interfaces, such as inputand output interfaces. For example, user interface 242 may include atouch screen, a keypad, buttons, a screen that may act as a viewfinder,a microphone, a speaker, or other interfaces. As video camera 232receives video data, processor 240 may signal video camera 232 to sendthe video data to user interface 242 to be displayed on the viewfinder.

Video CODEC 234 may encode video data from video camera 232 and decodevideo data received via antenna 248, transceiver 238, and modem 236.Video CODEC 234 additionally or alternatively may decode previouslyencoded data received from data storage device 246 for playback. VideoCODEC 234 may encode and/or decode digital video data using macroblocksthat are larger than the size of macroblocks prescribed by conventionalvideo encoding standards. For example, video CODEC 234 may encode and/ordecode digital video data using a large macroblock comprising 64×64pixels or 32×32 pixels. The large macroblock may be identified with amacroblock type syntax element according to a video standard, such as anextension of the H.264 standard.

Video CODEC 234 may perform the functions of either or both of videoencoder 50 (FIG. 2) and/or video decoder 60 (FIG. 3), as well as anyother encoding/decoding functions or techniques as described in thisdisclosure. For example, CODEC 234 may partition a large macroblock intoa variety of differently sized, smaller partitions, and use differentcoding modes, e.g., spatial (I) or temporal (P or B), for selectedpartitions. Selection of partition sizes and coding modes may be basedon rate-distortion results for such partition sizes and coding modes.CODEC 234 also may utilize hierarchical coded block pattern (CBP) valuesto identify coded macroblocks and partitions having non-zerocoefficients within a large macroblock. In addition, in some examples,CODEC 234 may compare rate-distortion metrics for large and smallmacroblocks to select a macroblock size producing more favorable resultsfor a frame, slice or other coding unit.

A user may interact with user interface 242 to transmit a recorded videosequence in data storage device 246 to another device, such as anotherwireless communication device, via modem 236, transceiver 238, andantenna 248. The video sequence may be encoded according to an encodingstandard, such as MPEG-2, MPEG-3, MPEG-4, H.263, H.264, or other videoencoding standards, subject to extensions or modifications described inthis disclosure. For example, the video sequence may also be encodedusing larger-than-standard macroblocks, as described in this disclosure.Wireless communication device 230 may also receive an encoded videosegment and store the received video sequence in data storage device246.

Macroblocks of the received, encoded video sequence may be larger thanmacroblocks specified by conventional video encoding standards. Todisplay an encoded video segment in data storage device 246, such as arecorded video sequence or a received video segment, video CODEC 234 maydecode the video sequence and send decoded frames of the video segmentto user interface 242. When a video sequence includes audio data, videoCODEC 234 may decode the audio, or wireless communication device 230 mayfurther include an audio codec (not shown) to decode the audio. In thismanner, video CODEC 234 may perform both the functions of an encoder andof a decoder.

Memory 244 of wireless communication device 230 of FIG. 14 may beencoded with computer-readable instructions that cause processor 240and/or video CODEC 234 to perform various tasks, in addition to storingencoded video data. Such instructions may be loaded into memory 244 froma data storage device such as data storage device 246. For example, theinstructions may cause processor 240 to perform the functions describedwith respect to video CODEC 234.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating an example hierarchical codedblock pattern (CBP) 260. The example of CBP 260 generally corresponds toa portion of the syntax information for a 64×64 pixel macroblock. In theexample of FIG. 15, CBP 260 comprises a CBP64 value 262, four CBP32values 264, 266, 268, 270, and four CBP16 values 272, 274, 276, 278.Each block of CBP 260 may include one or more bits. In one example, whenCBP64 value 262 is a bit with a value of “1,” indicating that there isat least one non-zero coefficient in the large macroblock, CBP 260includes the four CBP32 values 264, 266, 268, 270 for four 32×32partitions of the large 64×64 macroblock, as shown in the example ofFIG. 15.

In another example, when CBP64 value 262 is a bit with a value of “0,”CBP 260 may consist only of CBP64, as a value of “0” may indicate thatthe block corresponding to CBP 260 has all zero-valued coefficients.Hence, all partitions of that block likewise will contain allzero-valued coefficients. In one example, when a CBP64 is a bit with avalue of “1,” and one of the CBP32 values for a particular 32×32partition is a bit with a value of “1,” the CBP32 value for the 32×32partition has four branches, representative of CBP16 values, e.g., asshown with respect to CBP32 value 266. In one example, when a CBP32value is a bit with a value of “0,” the CBP32 does not have anybranches. In the example of FIG. 15, CBP 260 may have a five-bit prefixof “10100,” indicating that the CBP64 value is “1,” and that one of the32×32 partitions has a CBP32 value of “1,” with subsequent bitscorresponding to the four CBP16 values 272, 274, 276, 278 correspondingto 16×16 partitions of the 32×32 partition with the CBP 32 value of “1.”Although only a single CBP32 value is shown as having a value of “1” inthe example of FIG. 15, in other examples, two, three or all four 32×32partitions may have CBP32 values of “1,” in which case multipleinstances of four 16×16 partitions with corresponding CBP16 values wouldbe required.

In the example of FIG. 15, the four CBP16 values 272, 274, 276, 278 forthe four 16×16 partitions may be calculated according to variousmethods, e.g., according to the methods of FIGS. 8 and 9. Any or all ofCBP16 values 272, 274, 276, 278 may include a “lumacbp16” value, atransform size flag, and/or a luma 16×8_cbp. CBP16 values 272, 274, 276,278 may also be calculated according to a CBP value as defined in ITUH.264 or as a CodedBlockPatternChroma in ITU H.264, as discussed withrespect to FIGS. 8 and 9. In the example of FIG. 15, assuming that CBP16278 has a value of “1,” and the other CBP 16 values 272, 274, 276 havevalues of “0,” the nine-bit CBP value for the 64×64 macroblock would be“101000001,” where each bit corresponds to one of the partitions at arespective level in the CBP/partition hierarchy.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating an example tree structure 280corresponding to CBP 260 (FIG. 15). CBP64 node 282 corresponds to CBP64value 262, CBP32 nodes 284, 286, 288, 290 each correspond to respectiveones of CBP32 values 264, 266, 268, 270, and CBP16 nodes 292, 294, 296,298 each correspond to respective ones of CBP16 values 272, 274, 276,278. In this manner, a coded block pattern value as defined in thisdisclosure may correspond to a hierarchical CBP. Each node yieldinganother branch in the tree corresponds to a respective CBP value of “1.”In the examples of FIGS. 15 and 16, CBP64 282 and CBP32 286 both havevalues of “1,” and yield further partitions with possible CBP values of“1,” i.e., where at least one partition at the next partition levelincludes at least one non-zero transform coefficient value.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example method for using syntaxinformation of a coded unit to indicate and select block-based syntaxencoders and decoders for video blocks of the coded unit. In general,steps 300 to 310 of FIG. 17 may be performed by a video encoder, such asvideo encoder 20 (FIG. 1), in addition to and in conjunction withencoding a plurality of video blocks for a coded unit. A coded unit maycomprise a video frame, a slice, or a group of pictures (also referredto as a “sequence”). Steps 312 to 316 of FIG. 17 may be performed by avideo decoder, such as video decoder 30 (FIG. 1), in addition to and inconjunction with decoding the plurality of video blocks of the codedunit.

Initially, video encoder 20 may receive a set of various-sized blocksfor a coded unit, such as a frame, slice, or group of pictures (300). Inaccordance with the techniques of this disclosure, one or more of theblocks may comprise greater than 16×16 pixels, e.g., 32×32 pixels, 64×64pixels, etc. However, the blocks need not each include the same numberof pixels. In general, video encoder 20 may encode each of the blocksusing the same block-based syntax. For example, video encoder 20 mayencode each of the blocks using a hierarchical coded block pattern, asdescribed above.

Video encoder 20 may select the block-based syntax to use based on alargest block, i.e., maximum block size, in the set of blocks for thecoded unit. The maximum block size may correspond to the size of alargest macroblock included in the coded unit. Accordingly, videoencoder 20 may determine the largest sized block in the set (302). Inthe example of FIG. 17, video encoder 20 may also determine the smallestsized block in the set (304). As discussed above, the hierarchical codedblock pattern of a block has a length that corresponds to whetherpartitions of the block have a non-zero, quantized coefficient. In someexamples, video encoder 20 may include a minimum size value in syntaxinformation for a coded unit. In some examples, the minimum size valueindicates the minimum partition size in the coded unit. The minimumpartition size, e.g., the smallest block in a coded unit, in this mannermay be used to determine a maximum length for the hierarchical codedblock pattern.

Video encoder 20 may then encode each block of the set for the codedunit according to the syntax corresponding to the largest block (306).For example, assuming that the largest block comprises a 64×64 pixelblock, video encoder 20 may use syntax such as that defined above forMB64_type. As another example, assuming that the largest block comprisesa 32×32 pixel block, video encoder 20 may use the syntax such as thatdefined above for MB32_type.

Video encoder 20 also generates coded unit syntax information, whichincludes values corresponding to the largest block in the coded unit andthe smallest block in the coded unit (308). Video encoder 20 may thentransmit the coded unit, including the syntax information for the codedunit and each of the blocks of the coded unit, to video decoder 30.

Video decoder 30 may receive the coded unit and the syntax informationfor the coded unit from video encoder 20 (312). Video decoder 30 mayselect a block-based syntax decoder based on the indication in the codedunit syntax information of the largest block in the coded unit (314).For example, assuming that the coded unit syntax information indicatedthat the largest block in the coded unit comprised 64×64 pixels, videodecoder 30 may select a syntax decoder for MB64_type blocks. Videodecoder 30 may then apply the selected syntax decoder to blocks of thecoded unit to decode the blocks of the coded unit (316). Video decoder30 may also determine when a block does not have further separatelyencoded sub-partitions based on the indication in the coded unit syntaxinformation of the smallest encoded partition. For example, if thelargest block is 64×64 pixels and the smallest block is also 64×64pixels, then it can be determined that the 64×64 blocks are not dividedinto sub-partitions smaller than the 64×64 size. As another example, ifthe largest block is 64×64 pixels and the smallest block is 32×32pixels, then it can be determined that the 64×64 blocks are divided intosub-partitions no smaller than 32×32.

In this manner, video decoder 30 may remain backwards-compatible withexisting coding standards, such as H.264. For example, when the largestblock in a coded unit comprises 16×16 pixels, video encoder 20 mayindicate this in the coded unit syntax information, and video decoder 30may apply standard H.264 block-based syntax decoders. However, when thelargest block in a coded unit comprises more than 16×16 pixels, videoencoder 20 may indicate this in the coded unit syntax information, andvideo decoder 30 may selectively apply a block-based syntax decoder inaccordance with the techniques of this disclosure to decode the blocksof the coded unit.

In one or more examples, the functions described may be implemented inhardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implementedin software, the functions may be stored on or transmitted over as oneor more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium.Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media andcommunication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of acomputer program from one place to another. A storage media may be anyavailable media that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example,and not limitation, such computer-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM,EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage orother magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used tocarry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or datastructures and that can be accessed by a computer. Also, any connectionis properly termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if thesoftware is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote sourceusing a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digitalsubscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio,and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair,DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave areincluded in the definition of medium. Disk and disc, as used herein,includes compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatiledisc (DVD), floppy disk and blu-ray disc where disks usually reproducedata magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers.Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope ofcomputer-readable media.

Various examples have been described. These and other examples arewithin the scope of the following claims.

1. A method comprising: encoding, with a video encoder, a coded unitcomprising a plurality of video blocks, wherein at least one of theplurality of video blocks comprises a size of more than 16×16 pixels;and generating syntax information for the coded unit that includes amaximum size value, wherein the maximum size value indicates a size of alargest one of the plurality of video blocks in the coded unit.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the coded unit comprises one of a frame, aslice, and a group of pictures.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein thesyntax information comprises a fixed-length code corresponding to a sizeof the largest one of the plurality of video blocks.
 4. The method ofclaim 1, wherein generating the syntax information further comprisesincluding, in the syntax information, a minimum size value, wherein theminimum size value indicates a size of a smallest one of the pluralityof video blocks in the coded unit.
 5. The method of claim 4, furthercomprising generating block-based syntax information for each of theplurality of video blocks according to the maximum size value and theminimum size value.
 6. An apparatus comprising a video encoderconfigured to encode a coded unit comprising a plurality of videoblocks, wherein at least one of the plurality of video blocks comprisesa size of more than 16×16 pixels and to generate syntax information forthe coded unit that includes a maximum size value, wherein the maximumsize value indicates a size of a largest one of the plurality of videoblocks in the coded unit.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the codedunit comprises one of a frame, a slice, and a group of pictures.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 6, wherein the syntax information comprises afixed-length code corresponding to a size of the largest one of theplurality of video blocks.
 9. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein thevideo encoder is configured to include, in the syntax information, aminimum size value, wherein the minimum size value indicates a size of asmallest one of the plurality of video blocks in the coded unit.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 9, wherein the video encoder is configured togenerate block-based syntax information for each of the plurality ofvideo blocks according to the maximum size value and the minimum sizevalue.
 11. An apparatus comprising: means for encoding a coded unitcomprising a plurality of video blocks, wherein at least one of theplurality of video blocks comprises a size of more than 16×16 pixels;and means for generating syntax information for the coded unit thatincludes a maximum size value, wherein the maximum size value indicatesa size of a largest one of the plurality of video blocks in the codedunit.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the coded unit comprisesone of a frame, a slice, and a group of pictures.
 13. The apparatus ofclaim 11, wherein the syntax information comprises a fixed-length codecorresponding to a size of the largest one of the plurality of videoblocks.
 14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the means for generatingthe syntax information further comprises means for including, in thesyntax information, a minimum size value, wherein the minimum size valueindicates a size of a smallest one of the plurality of video blocks inthe coded unit.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising meansfor generating block-based syntax information for each of the pluralityof video blocks according to the maximum size value and the minimum sizevalue.
 16. A computer-readable storage medium encoded with instructionsfor causing a programmable processor to: encode a coded unit comprisinga plurality of video blocks, wherein at least one of the plurality ofvideo blocks comprises a size of more than 16×16 pixels; and generatesyntax information for the coded unit that includes a maximum sizevalue, wherein the maximum size value indicates a size of a largest oneof the plurality of video blocks in the coded unit.
 17. Thecomputer-readable storage medium of claim 16, wherein the coded unitcomprises one of a frame, a slice, and a group of pictures.
 18. Thecomputer-readable storage medium of claim 16, wherein the syntaxinformation comprises a fixed-length code corresponding to a size of thelargest one of the plurality of video blocks.
 19. The computer-readablestorage medium of claim 16, wherein the instructions to generate thesyntax information further comprise instructions to include, in thesyntax information, a minimum size value, wherein the minimum size valueindicates a size of a smallest one of the plurality of video blocks inthe coded unit.
 20. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 19,further comprising instructions to generate block-based syntaxinformation for each of the plurality of video blocks according to themaximum size value and the minimum size value.
 21. A method comprising:receiving, with a video decoder, a coded unit comprising a plurality ofvideo blocks, wherein at least one of the plurality of video blockscomprises a size of more than 16×16 pixels; receiving syntax informationfor the coded unit that includes a maximum size value, wherein themaximum size value indicates a size of a largest one of the plurality ofvideo blocks in the coded unit; selecting a block-type syntax decoderaccording to the maximum size value; and decoding each of the pluralityof video blocks in the coded unit using the selected block-type syntaxdecoder.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the syntax informationincludes a minimum size value, wherein the minimum size value indicatesa size of a smallest one of the plurality of video blocks in the codedunit, and wherein the selected block-type syntax decoder indicates howto decode the plurality of video blocks in the coded unit according tothe minimum size value.
 23. An apparatus comprising a video decoderconfigured to receive a coded unit comprising a plurality of videoblocks, wherein at least one of the plurality of video blocks comprisesa size of more than 16×16 pixels, receive syntax information for thecoded unit that includes a maximum size value, wherein the maximum sizevalue indicates a size of a largest one of the plurality of video blocksin the coded unit, select a block-type syntax decoder according to themaximum size value, and decode each of the plurality of video blocks inthe coded unit using the selected block-type syntax decoder.
 24. Theapparatus of claim 23, wherein the syntax information includes a minimumsize value, wherein the minimum size value indicates a size of asmallest one of the plurality of video blocks in the coded unit, andwherein the selected block-type syntax decoder indicates how to decodethe plurality of video blocks in the coded unit according to the minimumsize value.
 25. An apparatus comprising: means for receiving a codedunit comprising a plurality of video blocks, wherein at least one of theplurality of video blocks comprises a size of more than 16×16 pixels;means for receiving syntax information for the coded unit that includesa maximum size value, wherein the maximum size value indicates a size ofa largest one of the plurality of video blocks in the coded unit; meansfor selecting a block-type syntax decoder according to the maximum sizevalue; and means for decoding each of the plurality of video blocks inthe coded unit using the selected block-type syntax decoder.
 26. Theapparatus of claim 25, wherein the syntax information includes a minimumsize value, wherein the minimum size value indicates a size of asmallest one of the plurality of video blocks in the coded unit, andwherein the selected block-type syntax decoder indicates how to decodethe plurality of video blocks in the coded unit according to the minimumsize value.
 27. A computer-readable storage medium encoded withinstructions for causing a programmable processor to: receive a codedunit comprising a plurality of video blocks, wherein at least one of theplurality of video blocks comprises a size of more than 16×16 pixels;receive syntax information for the coded unit that includes a maximumsize value, wherein the maximum size value indicates a size of a largestone of the plurality of video blocks in the coded unit; select ablock-type syntax decoder according to the maximum size value; anddecode each of the plurality of video blocks in the coded unit using theselected block-type syntax decoder.
 28. The computer-readable storagemedium of claim 27, wherein the syntax information includes a minimumsize value, wherein the minimum size value indicates a size of asmallest one of the plurality of video blocks in the coded unit, andwherein the selected block-type syntax decoder indicates how to decodethe plurality of video blocks in the coded unit according to the minimumsize value.